Is dosimetry still a necessity in current dental practice?

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Dental Imaging
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Modern dental imaging, including cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), utilizes advanced equipment with improved safety features.
• Dental facilities generally have low radiological workloads, with modern equipment adhering to safety guidelines and employing effective radiation protection measures for patients and staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the necessity of personal dosimeters in contemporary dental practice.
• To determine if current dental radiography poses a significant risk warranting the use of personal dosimetry.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire study was conducted among dental health professionals and radiographic assistants in fourteen dental colleges in Karnataka.
• Data collected included details on radiographic equipment, daily procedures, receptor types, personnel at risk, protection measures, and historical dosimetry records.

Main Results:

• Dosimetry records over three years showed annual doses for radiology staff did not exceed 1.50 mSv.
• Institutional doses ranged from 3.70 mSv to 3.90 mSv per person.
• The estimated dose for oral radiologists was less than 0.01 mSv annually, a negligible contribution to the total effective dose equivalent.

Conclusions:

• Personal monitoring services, such as thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges, should not be mandatory for dentists in dental colleges.
• The low radiation exposure levels indicate that personal dosimetry can be omitted for dentists in these settings without compromising safety.