Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiation Safety among Dentists in Ismailia City, Egypt

Background: Ionizing radiation is extensively used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, particularly in dental procedures. Dentists, therefore, belong to occupational groups chronically exposed to ionizing radiation. Objective(s): This study aims to assess dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding radiation safety. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 271 dentists working at the Medical Complex Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry at Suez Canal University, and various private clinics and centers in Ismailia City, Egypt. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Among the participants, 53% were female, and 44.3% were aged between 25 and 34 years. In terms of knowledge, 73.1% demonstrated good understanding of radiation safety. Regarding attitudes, 57.9% disagreed that radiation safety policies and procedures were clear and understandable. Concerning practices, 43.9% reported conducting periodic maintenance of X-ray equipment, 53.5% confirmed performing annual maintenance on X-ray machines, and 33.2% had a radiation safety manual in their practice. Additionally, 49.1% reported usually standing behind a lead barrier during X-ray exposure, 38% frequently used lead aprons, and about half maintained a distance of 6 feet from the X-ray beam during exposure. Conclusion: Approximately 75% of the dentists surveyed had good knowledge of radiation hazards and safety. However, the findings indicate gaps in certain areas of knowledge and practice, with many dentists expressing concerns about the clarity of safety measures at their workplaces. Given the continuous exposure to radiation in their profession, it is recommended to implement a mandatory, ongoing education program for dentists focusing on radiation hazards and the latest safety protocols.