Abstract

MODIBA, RM; NTATAMALA, I  and  NETSHISAULU, T. Radiation protection and compliance with radiation safety standards by dental professionals and radiographers in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa: a cross-sectional study. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2025, vol.80, n.4, pp.183-190. ISSN 0375-1562.  https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v80i04.20799.

INTRODUCTION: Poor radiation protection practices in South African healthcare facilities have been reported on account of several factors including staff shortages, poor training on radiation protection, and inconsistent dosimeter use. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate radiation protection practices of dental professionals and radiographers in Limpopo Province following the closure of two radiography units due to non-compliance. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among the eight rural hospitals in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, using a self-administered questionnaire comprised of Ave components exploring the knowledge and practices of dentists (36%), oral hygienists (18%) and dental therapists (18%) and radiographers (38%). Forty-five participants (n=45) completed the study questionnaire, representing a 75% response rate (45/60). RESULTS: Dentists (63.0%) felt slightly at risk of radiation exposure compared to radiographers who felt at risk (59.0%). Only 58.8% of radiographers, and even fewer dental professionals (37.5% of dentists and 16.7% of oral hygienists & dental therapists) admitted to always wearing their personal radiation dosimeters in the workplace (p=0.03). Equally concerning is that only a third of radiographers (29.4%) reported always protecting patients before radiological examinations compared to most dentists (93.8%) and oral hygienists & dental therapists (83.3%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Dental professionals and radiographers in this study underestimated the long-term health impacts of radiation exposure on themselves and patients, and should be better supported to comply with radiation safety protocols.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )