W . Ageeli et al .: Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 4 ), 270 – 277 275
4.2 Limitations
While the study provides valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge of radiation protection principles among dental students , several limitations should be acknowledged . The research was conducted at a specific institution , limiting the generalizability of the findings to a broader population . Additionally , the study relies on self-reported data , which may introduce response bias . The cross-sectional nature of the research design limits the ability to establish causal relationships or assess changes in awareness over time . Future research could explore the long-term retention of radiation safety knowledge among dental practitioners and assess the effectiveness of different educational approaches in enhancing awareness and practices . We acknowledge that the absence of items on the justification and relevance of dental imaging examination prescriptions is a significant limitation of our study . The control of the repetition and accumulation of small doses is indeed a critical aspect of radioprotection in dental imaging , and medical students need to be aware of their responsibility in this regard . Future research should include items that assess students ’ understanding of the justification and relevance of dental imaging examination prescriptions to provide a more comprehensive assessment of their knowledge and awareness in this area .
Despite these limitations , this study contributes valuable insights into the radiation protection awareness and knowledge of dental students . Future research in this area should aim to address these limitations by employing larger and more diverse samples and investigating the effectiveness of different educational interventions in enhancing radiation safety knowledge and practices among dental students .
5 Conclusion
This study sheds light on the awareness and knowledge of radiation protection principles among dental students , providing a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and areas for improvement within the field of dental radiography . The high acknowledgment of the harmful nature of dental X-rays is encouraging , yet the variations in awareness of specific radiation protection concepts among participants in different academic years and genders underscore the need for tailored educational approaches .
Funding
This research did not receive any specific funding . Conflicts of interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest . Data availability statement
The Data availability statement The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author , W . Ageeli , upon reasonable request .
Author contribution statement
WA , TR , and NM were a major contributor to the conception of the study and the literature search for related studies . WA , EA , AA ,
AS , and AG collated the results , conducted the literature search , and drafted the manuscript . WA , NM , TR , EA , AA , AS , and AG were involved in the planning of the study , conducted the statistical analysis , and reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content . All the authors were involved in the approval of the final manuscript to be published .
Ethics approval
The study received ethical approval from the Standing Committee for Scientific Research at Jazan University , with the reference number REC-44 / 06 / 467 .
Informed consent
Written informed consent was obtained from all participants .
Clinical relevance statement
Dental radiographs are a valuable and required tool for diagnosing and treating oral disorders such as caries , periodontal disease , and oral pathology ( White & Pharoah , 2014 ). Despite the perceived low individual radiation doses , the cumulative exposure from repeated examinations raises concerns about potential adverse effects , emphasizing the need for stringent radiation safety precautions . This study delves into the knowledge and practices of undergraduate dental students , aiming to assess their awareness of biological risks associated with dental X-rays . Understanding these risks is crucial for ensuring responsible use of radiographic procedures , and safeguarding both patients and operators .
References
Abogazalah N , Ando M . 2017 . Alternative methods to visual and radiographic examinations for approximal caries detection . J Oral Sci 59 ( 3 ): 315 – 322 . https :// doi . org / 10.2334 / josnusd . 16-0595
Abuhadi N . 2019 . A study of student awareness of radiation protection skills ..: King Khalid University Journal of Health Sciences . King Khalid Univ J Health Sci . 4 ( 1 ): 6 – 13 . https :// journals . lww . com / kkuj / fulltext / 2019 / 04010 / a _ study _ of _ studen t _ awareness _ of _ radiation . 2 . aspx
ALHarthi SS , BinShabaib MS , Ahmed HB , Mehmood A , Khan J , Javed F . 2018 . Comparison of peri-implant clinical and radiographic inflammatory parameters among cigarette and waterpipe ( narghile ) smokers and never-smokers . J Periodontol 89 ( 2 ): 213 – 218 . https :// doi . org / 10.1902 / jop . 2017.170358
Alomairy NA . 2024 . Evaluating the knowledge and attitudes towards radiation protection in portable radiological examinations among nurses in pediatric intensive care units . Radioprotection 59 ( 1 ): Article 1 . 36 – 41 . https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2023044
Alyami A , Hakami MM , AboTalib MM , Almalki MA , Refaee T , Abuhadi N , Ageeli W , Alwadani B , Alomairy N , Madkhali Y , Shubayr N , Majrashi N . 2023 . Evaluation of awareness and knowledge regarding MRI safety among students in the faculty of applied medical science at Jazan University . J Radiat Res Appl Sci 16 ( 4 ): 100669 . https :// doi . org / 10.1016 / j . jrras . 2023.100669
Alyami A , Majrashi N , Hazazi L , Ruqayi AA , Amri BY , Abdulmajed W , Masmali HM , Refaee T , Ageeli W , Alwadani B , Madkhali Y , Althobity AA , Madkhali AA , Al-Radaideh A . 2024 . Assessment