Original Article

Year : 2017 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 1 | Page : 28 - 31

Patients Perception on Dental Radiographs: A Questionnaire‐based Study

Nandhini G Ashok, V Jayanth Kumar

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Nandhini G Ashok,

E‐mail: nandoapple15@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective:

The aim is to assess the prevalence of knowledge of patients’ dental radiography and safety measures of radiation.

Background:

Dental radiographs are being used frequently in dental practice. They are being used excessively. There exists a panic among dental patients about the safety issues about dental radiography. The knowledge and behavior of patients toward radiographic examination can affect the patient’s exposure to radiation. This study gathers information about the knowledge of patients have toward dental radiographs.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire with 16 questions regarding dental radiography and radiation protection were asked to the patients.

Results:

There was 100% response rate. Although most of them (82%) said it was for tooth decay, 54% of the patients believed it was for gum diseases and only 19% of the patients said it was for routine checkup and 22% said they were taken for impacted teeth. A small percentage of the patients mentioned it was for all the reasons (16%). 80% felt radiography should be avoided for pregnant ladies. 37%of the patients felt radiographs should be avoided for children.

Conclusion:

The results shows the patients do not have a clear understanding why x-rays are taken or their benefits. There is also a definite lack of knowledge regarding the safety of dental radiographs.

Keywords: Dental radiographs, dental radiology, radiation protection

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Ashok NG, Kumar VJ. Patients perception on dental radiographs: A questionnaire-based study. Int J Orofac Biol 2017;1:28-31.