Abstract
The use of imaging involving ionising radiation in dental clinics over the last decade has increased due to its advantages and its use is anticipated to further expand. A substantial body of academic evidence highlights the dangers of ionising radiation with far reaching implications for dental professionals involved in its routine usage. Legitimate concerns exist regarding the potential
detrimental effects associated with ionising radiation in dental practice. Studies have shown that exposure to ionising radiation increases the risk of various cancers, including cancer of the salivary gland, the thyroid gland and brain. Exposure to ionising radiation has particularly been linked with leukaemia in children and poses risks to the foetus of pregnant women while also representing other cancer risks to both dental professionals involved in its administration, and patients. This study assesses the level of knowledge amongst dental professionals concerning ionising radiation, comparing Australia with Jordan. These two countries were selected for the study as both register
high rates of cancer and provide an insight into practice in two vastly different countries; an advanced economy, represented by Australia in comparison with a developing nation, in this case Jordan. The study involved the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data from which statistics were extracted. Results from the specifically designed questionnaire formed the basis of an evaluation of the knowledge of professionals and their practice. These results found that while
Australian dentists were more knowledgable than their Jordanian counterparts about the effects of ionising radiation and implemented more precautions, in both countries there was a significant and disturbing inadequacy in knowledge relating to the most important bodily organs requiring radiation protection and often a complacency amongst professionals in utilising worker and patient
safeguards. Despite awareness of the significant evidence of the carcinogenicity of ionising radiation, dentists’ knowledge regarding these health hazards is generally poor. Use of safety measures such as leaded aprons, lead lining in clinics and film handling techniques also varied considerably and were not optimal in either country with many dentists apparently uncertain or
indifferent to potential radiation hazards. The conclusion of this thesis is that dentists and dental practice ought to be fully aware of the negative effects of ionising radiation on both professionals and patients, but are not. As a result the relatively simply precautions designed to minimise the carcinogenic effects from this routine procedure are being either overlooked or worse, ignored.
detrimental effects associated with ionising radiation in dental practice. Studies have shown that exposure to ionising radiation increases the risk of various cancers, including cancer of the salivary gland, the thyroid gland and brain. Exposure to ionising radiation has particularly been linked with leukaemia in children and poses risks to the foetus of pregnant women while also representing other cancer risks to both dental professionals involved in its administration, and patients. This study assesses the level of knowledge amongst dental professionals concerning ionising radiation, comparing Australia with Jordan. These two countries were selected for the study as both register
high rates of cancer and provide an insight into practice in two vastly different countries; an advanced economy, represented by Australia in comparison with a developing nation, in this case Jordan. The study involved the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data from which statistics were extracted. Results from the specifically designed questionnaire formed the basis of an evaluation of the knowledge of professionals and their practice. These results found that while
Australian dentists were more knowledgable than their Jordanian counterparts about the effects of ionising radiation and implemented more precautions, in both countries there was a significant and disturbing inadequacy in knowledge relating to the most important bodily organs requiring radiation protection and often a complacency amongst professionals in utilising worker and patient
safeguards. Despite awareness of the significant evidence of the carcinogenicity of ionising radiation, dentists’ knowledge regarding these health hazards is generally poor. Use of safety measures such as leaded aprons, lead lining in clinics and film handling techniques also varied considerably and were not optimal in either country with many dentists apparently uncertain or
indifferent to potential radiation hazards. The conclusion of this thesis is that dentists and dental practice ought to be fully aware of the negative effects of ionising radiation on both professionals and patients, but are not. As a result the relatively simply precautions designed to minimise the carcinogenic effects from this routine procedure are being either overlooked or worse, ignored.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Master of Health Science |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 10 Aug 2015 |
Place of Publication | Australia |
Publisher | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |