The Level Of Knowledge Of Clinical Regional Regulation Regarding Stochastic Effects And Protection Of X -ray Radiation To Dental Medicine In Pregnant Women In USU FKG

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The Level of Knowledge of Clinical Registrar Students About Stochastic Effects and Radiation Protection X-ray Dental Medicine in Pregnant Women in USU FKG

Introduction

Exposure to radiation in dental radiography, although relatively low, must be minimized so that the impact on patients, especially pregnant women, can be avoided. The effect of radiation exposure can not only be felt in a short time, but can also appear after some time. This shows the importance of adequate knowledge about the risk, both for patients and operators who are responsible for the procedure. Understanding the risks associated with radiation exposure is crucial in ensuring the safety of patients and operators alike. In this context, the knowledge of clinical registrar students about stochastic effects and radiation protection in dental medicine is of utmost importance.

Background

The University of North Sumatra (USU) Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) is one of the leading institutions in dental education in Indonesia. The clinical registrar students at FKG are responsible for conducting various dental procedures, including radiographic examinations. However, the exposure to radiation during these procedures can have significant effects on patients, especially pregnant women. The risks associated with radiation exposure during pregnancy are well-documented, and it is essential that dental professionals are aware of these risks.

Methodology

This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge of Clinical Registrar Students in the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) of the University of North Sumatra (USU) related to the dangers of radiation stochastic effects and how to protect pregnant women during radiographic procedures. The type of research conducted is descriptive with a cross-sectional approach. The sample was taken using the Simple Random Sampling method consisting of 100 students who had previously referred to doing X-ray photos. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was distributed online through the Google Form.

Results

The results showed that the knowledge of Clinical Registrar Students on Stochastic Radiation Effects varies. Of the 100 students who participated, as many as 57 students (57%) showed good knowledge, 33 students (33%) had sufficient knowledge, and 10 students (10%) had less knowledge. In terms of knowledge about radiation protection against pregnant women, the results are more positive; 82 students (82%) have good knowledge, 15 students (15%) are sufficient, and only 3 students (3%) have poor knowledge.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the majority of clinical registrar students have good knowledge about radiation protection, especially risks that can be caused by stochastic effects on pregnant women. However, there are around 33% of students who still have sufficient knowledge, for those who have less knowledge need to get special attention to increase their understanding. The importance of knowledge about the effects of stochastic and radiation protection, especially for the students' students, is very relevant to the practice of safe and responsible dental medicine.

Implications

The implications of this study not only help in student education but also have a positive impact on dentistry practices related to the care of pregnant women. Readiness to deal with radiation risk can also increase patient trust in health professionals. It is hoped that the results of this study can be used as a reference for better education curriculum development in the field of dental health. The findings of this study can also contribute to the development of guidelines for radiation protection in dental medicine, particularly for pregnant women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the level of knowledge of clinical registrar students about stochastic effects and radiation protection in dental medicine is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety of patients and operators alike. The results of this study indicate that the majority of clinical registrar students have good knowledge about radiation protection, especially risks that can be caused by stochastic effects on pregnant women. However, there are still areas for improvement, and further education and training are necessary to ensure that all students have a comprehensive understanding of radiation protection.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Develop a comprehensive education curriculum that includes radiation protection and stochastic effects in dental medicine.
  2. Provide regular training and education for clinical registrar students on radiation protection and stochastic effects.
  3. Establish guidelines for radiation protection in dental medicine, particularly for pregnant women.
  4. Conduct regular assessments of clinical registrar students' knowledge about radiation protection and stochastic effects.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Self-reported data: The data collected in this study are self-reported, which may be subject to bias.
  3. Limited scope: This study only focuses on clinical registrar students at FKG, which may not be representative of all dental students.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

  1. Investigate the knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals about radiation protection and stochastic effects.
  2. Develop and evaluate educational interventions to improve knowledge and attitudes about radiation protection and stochastic effects.
  3. Conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on radiation protection and stochastic effects in dental medicine.

References

  1. American Dental Association. (2019). Radiation Safety in Dental Practice.
  2. International Commission on Radiological Protection. (2017). Radiological Protection in Medicine.
  3. World Health Organization. (2018). Radiation Protection in Medicine.

Appendix

The questionnaire used in this study is provided in the appendix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stochastic Effects and Radiation Protection in Dental Medicine

Q: What are stochastic effects?

A: Stochastic effects are changes in the frequency or probability of a disease or injury that occur as a result of radiation exposure. These effects can occur at any time after exposure and can be caused by low doses of radiation.

Q: What are the risks associated with radiation exposure during pregnancy?

A: Radiation exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. It can also increase the risk of cancer in the fetus and the mother.

Q: How can dental professionals minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure during dental radiography?

A: Dental professionals can minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure during dental radiography by using digital radiography, reducing the number of radiographs taken, and using lead aprons and thyroid shields to protect the patient and the operator.

Q: What is the importance of knowledge about stochastic effects and radiation protection in dental medicine?

A: Knowledge about stochastic effects and radiation protection is crucial in ensuring the safety of patients and operators alike. It helps dental professionals to understand the risks associated with radiation exposure and to take steps to minimize these risks.

Q: How can dental students and professionals stay up-to-date with the latest information on radiation protection and stochastic effects?

A: Dental students and professionals can stay up-to-date with the latest information on radiation protection and stochastic effects by attending conferences and workshops, reading scientific journals and books, and participating in online courses and webinars.

Q: What are some common myths about radiation protection and stochastic effects?

A: Some common myths about radiation protection and stochastic effects include:

  • Myth: Radiation exposure is only a concern for high doses of radiation.
  • Fact: Radiation exposure can be a concern even at low doses.
  • Myth: Radiation exposure is only a concern for patients who are undergoing radiation therapy.
  • Fact: Radiation exposure can be a concern for anyone who is exposed to radiation, including patients who are undergoing dental radiography.

Q: What are some best practices for radiation protection in dental medicine?

A: Some best practices for radiation protection in dental medicine include:

  • Using digital radiography
  • Reducing the number of radiographs taken
  • Using lead aprons and thyroid shields to protect the patient and the operator
  • Following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimize radiation exposure
  • Providing patients with information about the risks associated with radiation exposure and the steps that can be taken to minimize these risks.

Q: How can dental professionals communicate effectively with patients about radiation protection and stochastic effects?

A: Dental professionals can communicate effectively with patients about radiation protection and stochastic effects by:

  • Providing clear and concise information about the risks associated with radiation exposure and the steps that can be taken to minimize these risks
  • Using plain language to explain complex concepts
  • Answering patients' questions and addressing their concerns
  • Providing patients with written information about radiation protection and stochastic effects.

Q: What are some resources for dental professionals who want to learn more about radiation protection and stochastic effects?

A: Some resources for dental professionals who want to learn more about radiation protection and stochastic effects include:

  • The American Dental Association (ADA) website
  • The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) website
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) website
  • Scientific journals and books on radiation protection and stochastic effects
  • Online courses and webinars on radiation protection and stochastic effects.

Q: How can dental professionals get involved in radiation protection and stochastic effects research?

A: Dental professionals can get involved in radiation protection and stochastic effects research by:

  • Participating in studies and surveys
  • Collaborating with researchers and scientists
  • Presenting research findings at conferences and workshops
  • Writing articles and book chapters on radiation protection and stochastic effects.

Q: What are some future directions for research on radiation protection and stochastic effects in dental medicine?

A: Some future directions for research on radiation protection and stochastic effects in dental medicine include:

  • Investigating the effects of radiation exposure on dental patients
  • Developing new technologies and methods for radiation protection
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of radiation protection measures
  • Investigating the impact of radiation exposure on dental professionals.