The Importance of Dental Radiography in Dentistry

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 97 views

The Importance of Dental Radiography in Dentistry

Dental radiography plays a vital role in the field of dentistry, serving as a crucial tool not only for diagnosis but also for dental care. This technology helps in establishing a diagnosis and provides essential information for dental treatment. However, in practice, many clinical registrar students perform radiography procedures without the knowledge of the on-duty doctor. This action, whether done without instruction or repeatedly, can pose a risk to radiation safety.

Background of the Study

This study aimed to evaluate the understanding of clinical registrar students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of North Sumatra, regarding the procedure for using dental radiography. The study involved a sample of clinical registrar students from seven departments, including Periodontia, Pedodontia, Oral Disease, Conservation, Prosthodontia, Oral Surgery, and Orthodontia. The selection of departments was based on the fact that radiography is used as a diagnostic tool in each department, while the Department of Health does not apply radiography in the diagnosis process.

Methodology

Data was collected through interviews supported by questionnaires. The results of the study revealed that 78.8% of respondents had knowledge of dental radiology, while 83.8% understood the use of dental radiography. However, only 60.0% of respondents regularly performed dental radiography before dental treatment. More astonishingly, 63.8% of the total 80 respondents did not realize that dental radiographic action should be carried out based on adequate clinical examination.

Awareness of Radiation Hazards

On the other hand, awareness of radiation hazards was quite high, with 88.8% of respondents aware of the risks associated with radiation exposure. The obligation to obtain permission from a guard doctor was also not ignored, where 66.3% of respondents acknowledged that the permit was important before doing radiography. In terms of compliance, 86.3% of respondents claimed to have never done dental radiography without a doctor's permission, although 40.0% of respondents did radiographs repeatedly on the grounds that the results obtained were unclear or there were photo errors. In addition, 25.0% of respondents revealed that there were obstacles in obtaining permission from the doctor on duty to carry out radiographic procedures.

Implications of the Study

Seeing the data, there are several important points that need attention. First, although the understanding of dental radiology is quite good, there are still deficiencies in the application of that knowledge in practice. Students must better understand the importance of clinical procedures before doing radiography, in order to avoid inappropriate actions and maintain patient safety.

Second, awareness of radiation risk must also be supported by preventive measures. Counseling regarding radiological safety and the importance of appropriate procedures in the use of this tool needs to be improved. This is important not only to protect patients, but also to protect students from potential negative impacts due to radiation.

Finally, the challenge in obtaining permission from the doctor on duty shows the need for good communication between students and senior medical personnel. A more in-depth training and discussion program about the use of radiography in daily practice must be strengthened, so students feel more comfortable and confident in carrying out this procedure in accordance with established standards.

Conclusion

By increasing knowledge and skills in the use of dental radiography, it is hoped that Clinical Committee students can carry out their duties more professionally, in harmony with ethics and safety in dentistry practices.

Recommendations

Improved Understanding of Clinical Procedures: Students must better understand the importance of clinical procedures before doing radiography, in order to avoid inappropriate actions and maintain patient safety.
Enhanced Awareness of Radiation Risk: Awareness of radiation risk must also be supported by preventive measures. Counseling regarding radiological safety and the importance of appropriate procedures in the use of this tool needs to be improved.
Good Communication between Students and Senior Medical Personnel: A more in-depth training and discussion program about the use of radiography in daily practice must be strengthened, so students feel more comfortable and confident in carrying out this procedure in accordance with established standards.

Future Directions

Future studies can focus on evaluating the effectiveness of training programs in improving the knowledge and skills of clinical registrar students in the use of dental radiography. Additionally, studies can investigate the impact of radiation safety counseling on patient safety and student well-being.

Q: What is dental radiography?

A: Dental radiography is a diagnostic tool used in dentistry to produce images of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. It helps dentists diagnose and treat various dental conditions, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth fractures.

Q: Why is dental radiography important in dentistry?

A: Dental radiography is essential in dentistry as it provides valuable information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. It helps dentists detect problems early, prevent complications, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Q: What are the risks associated with dental radiography?

A: Dental radiography involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. However, the risks can be minimized by using proper radiation safety protocols, such as using digital radiography and following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Q: How can I reduce my exposure to radiation during dental radiography?

A: To reduce your exposure to radiation during dental radiography, you can:

Use digital radiography, which uses less radiation than traditional film-based radiography.
Follow the ALARA principle by using the lowest possible radiation dose necessary for the procedure.
Use a lead apron or thyroid shield to protect sensitive areas.
Inform your dentist if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions that may increase your risk of radiation exposure.

Q: What are the benefits of dental radiography in dentistry?

A: The benefits of dental radiography in dentistry include:

Early detection of dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Prevention of complications and tooth loss.
Improved patient care and outcomes.
Enhanced patient education and awareness of dental health.

Q: How can I ensure that my dentist is using proper radiation safety protocols?

A: To ensure that your dentist is using proper radiation safety protocols, you can:

Ask your dentist about their radiation safety policies and procedures.
Check if your dentist uses digital radiography and follows the ALARA principle.
Inform your dentist if you have any medical conditions or concerns about radiation exposure.
Ask to see your radiographs and discuss the results with your dentist.

Q: What are the consequences of not following proper radiation safety protocols during dental radiography?

A: The consequences of not following proper radiation safety protocols during dental radiography can include:

Increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
Radiation exposure to sensitive areas, such as the thyroid gland and reproductive organs.
Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Complications and tooth loss.
Patient dissatisfaction and mistrust of the dentist.

Q: How can I stay informed about dental radiography and radiation safety?

A: To stay informed about dental radiography and radiation safety, you can:

Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website for information on radiation safety and dental radiography.
Consult with your dentist or a dental hygienist about radiation safety and dental radiography.
Attend dental health seminars and workshops to learn more about dental radiography and radiation safety.
Read dental health articles and publications to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in dental radiography and radiation safety.