Radiation protection in dental radiology: Compliance, continuing education and equipment audit in imaging clinics

Background: Continuing education and the availability of protective equipment are two key factors that significantly influence compliance with radiation protection measures in imaging. Their absence could lead to practices that expose patients, staff, and the public to unnecessary risks. This study assessed compliance with respect to the continuing education of dental professionals and the availability of equipment in selected dental imaging clinics. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were shared to 55 dental professionals working in eight dental imaging clinics, to assess their level of compliance, specifically regarding continuing education and equipment availability (self-audit), and physical audit of the protective equipment in these clinics by the authors. Results: About 25.5% of the respondents demonstrated a good level of compliance and equipment availability in their centres, while 50.9% received further training. The multi-level aggregate analysis showed that two clinics had high equipment score, good compliance score and compliance level. Spearman’s rank order correlation between compliance and equipment availability was statistically significant (p=0.001), while Cohen’s Kappa agreement between self and physical audit ranged from 38%-100% (K: 0.091-1.00). Conclusion: This study showed that though continuing training is essential for compliance, equipment availability significantly influenced compliance with radiation protection measures.