Resumen

WALSH, B; HAZELL, LJ; MOKOENA, PL  y  TSHITE, K. The use of hand-held X-ray equipment among Dentists and Dental Specialists in Gauteng Province. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2026, vol.81, n.1, pp.47-51. ISSN 0375-1562.

INTRODUCTION: Handheld intraoral x ray units were created for use where fixed units are impractical. Their global popularity has grown; however, there are concerns about exposure times, scattered radiation and inadequate safety practices. Limited South African research prompted this study to bring awareness and safe usage of hand-held X-ray equipment by dental clinicians AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of handheld x ray equipment and determine if they are being operated correctly and safely DESIGN: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study METHODS: The study was conducted in public and private dental clinics in Gauteng, South Africa. General dentists and dental specialists were recruited through non-probability sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM-STSS statistical software, including frequencies, descriptive statistics, and cross-tabulation to compare categorical variables RESULTS: There were 144 responses, giving a response rate of 19.02%. 6,3% of dentists used handheld X-ray units. No correlation was noted between dentists' years of experience and the type of intraoral X-ray unit used CONCLUSION: This study highlights handheld X-ray use. Ongoing education, strict adherence to radiation safety protocols, and regular compliance monitoring are essential to ensure the safety of patients and operators

Palabras clave : Hand-held X-ray equipment; SAHPRA; intra-oral X-ray units; radiation safety.

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