ABSTRACT:
Aim and Objectives: To assess the attitude and awareness about radiation protection among dental surgeons in south Chennai. Materials and Methods: The study participants comprised 150 dental practitioners (general and speciality) in south Chennai. The information was collected from each participant through structured questionnaires regarding attitude and awareness towards radiation protection. Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to assess the validity and reliability of questionnaire, and any P = 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Of all the 150 dentists enrolled in the study, 69% dental surgeons considered X-ray films as a image receptor. However, majority of the dentists (73%) failed to acquire informed consent of the patient before prescribing dental radiograph. while Majority of dentists were unaware of position and distance rule (54%) and 46% were aware of the rule, it was also found that 59% dental surgeons did not use film holding device and only 41% used film holding device. Majority of them (59%) were aware of AERB certification and 41% were unaware of AERB, 15% of them hold the cone during exposure Conclusion: The current study shows the utmost need for further implementation of radiation protection principle among dental surgeons in south Chennai. Majority of them did not practice radiation protection procedures. Emphasis on radiation safety is mandatory for continuing professional education and development of radiographic selection criteria should be recommended.