Knowledge and Attitude amongst the Dental and Medical students towards radiation hazards and radiation protection: A Questionnaire survey

Abstract

Aim and objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding radiation hazards and protection amongst medical and dental students. Materials and method: A validated 20 point questionnaire about radiation protocol in the form of multiple choices was used for the study where 400 participants ( undergraduate students and interns) were included from medical and dental field. Results were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The knowledge, attitude and awareness about radiation protection was highest in dental interns followed by dental students, medical interns and medical students. Among the total participants, majority felt that lectures and workshops should be conducted to acquire knowledge on radiation hazards and protection. Conclusion: There is need “to fill” the knowledge deficit for students from both medical and dental fraternity thereby creating awareness about radiation hazards and protection. There is a need to educate current and future doctors regarding unnecessary exposure of individual to radiation.