Monitoring Occupational Radiation Dose in Radiography Students: Implications for Safety and Training

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the occupational exposure of undergraduate radiography students to ionising radiation and evaluate the effectiveness of safety protocols and training in reducing radiation exposure. Methods: This study tracked undergraduate radiography students from the University of Sharjah, UAE, using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) from 2015 to 2023. TLD readings were conducted every 15 weeks during 384 h of clinical placement. This study encompassed various radiographic procedures, and the TLDs were used to measure shallow (HP (0.07)) and deep doses (HP (10)). Results: A data analysis from 599 dosimeters revealed an average of 74 students annually. The average effective doses for HP (10) and HP (0.07) were 0.227 mSv and 0.222 mSv, respectively. These doses were well-below the recommended annual limits. Conclusion: This study’s results indicated that radiography students’ occupational radiation exposure during clinical training was within the safe limits, demonstrating the effectiveness of training and safety protocols. A comparison with international data corroborated the low exposure levels. Clinical training is essential for radiography students, and this study highlights the success of safety protocols in minimising occupational radiation exposure. Continuous monitoring and education are crucial to sustaining these positive outcomes.