W . Ageeli et al .: Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 4 ), 270 – 277 273
Fig . 1 . the charts showing the overall awareness based on the year level before and after taking the modules .
df = 1 , p = 0.002 ), the practice of standing behind a lead barrier ( x 2 = 11.445 , df = 1 , p < 0.001 ), and knowledge of radiographic techniques that deliver more radiation ( x 2 = 13.135 , df = 1 , p < 0.001 ) as summarized in Table 2 .
4 Discussion
The results of this study offer valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge of radiation protection principles among dental students . shedding light on areas of strength and opportunities for improvement within the field of dental radiography . In this comprehensive discussion , we will analyze and interpret the findings , considering their implications for patient safety , professional development , and future research endeavors . The effective dosage delivered to patients for each radiograph is low , but the collective dose is high due to the enormous number of radiographs performed . One of the prominent findings of this study is that the majority of dental students ( 91 %) acknowledged that dental X-rays are harmful . Arnout ’ s study among Egyptian dental students reported an 88 % awareness rate , while Shah et al . reported 75 %, Arnout and Jafar ’ s study on Saudi students found 67 %, Srivastava et al . reported 83.3 % awareness rate in his study and Prabhat et al . reported a full 100 % awareness in their participant group ( Prabhat , 2011 ; Arnout , 2014a , 2014b ; Shah , 2014 ; Srivastava , 2017 ). While these figures suggest a high level of general awareness about the harmful effects of dental X-rays among dental students , it is important to note that broader research , including studies by Shubayr et al . and Alomairy in Saudi
Arabia , has indicated insufficient knowledge about the potential effects of ionizing radiation among healthcare professionals ( Alomairy , 2024 ; Shubayr et al ., 2024 ). However , the study further investigates specific aspects of radiation protection awareness and knowledge , shedding light on both areas of strength and potential improvement . In the context of deterministic and stochastic effects of radiation exposure , 52 % of the participants reported awareness . This result indicates that slightly over half of the dental students have a fundamental understanding of the two primary categories of radiation effects . While this percentage may seem relatively low , it is consistent with findings from previous studies . For instance , a study by Arnout ’ s findings indicated only 34 % demonstrated awareness of deterministic and stochastic effects ; moreover , Arnout and Jafar ’ s research reported a 33 % rate , which aligned with the results in our study . In contrast , Prabhat et al . presented more encouraging results with a noteworthy 84 % rate ( Prabhat , 2011 ; Arnout , 2014a , 2014b ). This suggests that dental students , regardless of their geographic location , may have similar levels of awareness regarding these radiation effects . Approximately 83 % of the participants were aware of the National Council on Radiation Protection ( NCRP ) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection ( ICRP ) recommendations . This result is encouraging , as it signifies that a significant proportion of dental students are informed about the guidelines set forth by these authoritative radiation protection organizations . A similar level of awareness rate of 94 % was reported in a study conducted by Prabhat et al , further emphasizing the global reach of these organizations ’ influence on radiation