KIIRGUSKAITSE HAMBARAVIS
Radiation Protection in Dentistry
Tiina Lilium, Natalja Vertjajeva, Tiina Kukkes
Abstract The final paper is a literature review which describes the imaging techniques, radiation doses and the influence of ionizing radiation in dentistry, acquaints the methods of radiation protection in dental imaging and explores dentists’ knowledge of radiation safety. The sources used in this study date from the publications on dental radiology, dentistry and medicine-based science literature. The aim of this study is to describe potential radiation risks in dentistry, radiation safety requirements in dental imaging and dentists’ knowledge of radiation safety requirements in dental imaging. Dental radiography is a low-dose imaging method which provides an overview of the facial area, the jaws and helps to diagnose and treat dental diseases. Like any other imaging modality which is based on ionizing radiation, dental radiography is a radiation hazard in general population. The greater is the number of dental images per person, the more increased will the risk be. Therefore, radiation dose reduction methods should be used even in low-dose diagnostic examinations. Following the recommendations of legal acts in radiation safety will protect the patient and dental staff from the possible harm due to radiation. Dental staff professional education on radiation safety improves the knowledge and enhances the awareness of radiation effects. Keywords: dental radiology, radiation protection, cone-beam computed tomography
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