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Radiation protection practices and related continuing professional education in dental radiography: A survey of practitioners in the North-east of England

Davies, Ceri; Trevor, Margaret; Grange, Stuart

Authors

Ceri Davies

Margaret Trevor

Stuart Grange



Abstract

Purpose: To establish the level of implementation of recommendations from the National Radiological Protection Board, relating to best radiation protection practice in dental radiography within general dental practices in the North-east of England. To survey the opinion of practitioners on the availability of related post-graduate courses in the region. Methods: A postal survey in the form of a self-reported questionnaire was mailed to all practices in the North-east of England in November 2000. The questionnaire, consisting of closed and open-ended questions, was to be completed where possible by the resident radiation protection supervisor. Results: Two hundred and sixteen practices responded to the questionnaire, a response rate of 53%. The survey revealed variation in the standards of application of best radiation protection practice. Some 23% of practitioners had not attended any post-graduate courses on radiation protection since qualifying. Post-graduate education provision on radiation protection in the region was considered insufficient by 51% of respondents. Conclusions: It is concluded that a significant proportion of practices were not making full use of opportunities to reduce dose to their patients. In addition, a small number of practices had untrained staff acting as the Radiation Protection Supervisor. A significant proportion of practitioners had not been updated in radiation protection practices within a 5-year period, and this may account for the failure to implement best radiographic practice. Over half felt that there was insufficient availability of post-graduate courses in radiation protection. The regional provision of continuing professional education in this field may need development. © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The College of Radiographers.

Citation

Davies, C., Trevor, M., & Grange, S. (2005). Radiation protection practices and related continuing professional education in dental radiography: A survey of practitioners in the North-east of England. Radiography, 11(4), 255-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2005.07.009

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2005
Journal Radiography
Print ISSN 1078-8174
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 11
Issue 4
Pages 255-261
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2005.07.009
Keywords dental radiography, radiation protection, dose reduction, dental practitioners, continuing professional education
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1046496
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2005.07.009


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