Assessment of knowledge of radiation protection and biological effects of ionising radiation among clinical dental undergraduate students at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Dental radiography is an essential diagnostic tool in clinical dentistry; however, ionising radiation poses significant biological hazards when appropriate protection measures are not observed. Adequate knowledge of radiation protection principles among dental students is essential, as these students represent the future clinicians responsible for patient and occupational radiation safety.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge of clinical dental undergraduate students at Bayero University Kano regarding radiation protection practices, the biological effects of ionising radiation, and awareness of radiation protection regulatory bodies. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 74 clinical dental undergraduate students in the Department of Dental Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Bayero University Kano. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire whose items were adapted from validated instruments used in comparable published studies. Results were
analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Most participants (62.2%) were male, with most (62.2%) aged 21 to 25 years. Overall knowledge was variable: 87.8% reported standing behind a protective barrier during exposures, and 73.0% reported consistent use of lead aprons and thyroid shields. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified: only 27.0% correctly identified rectangular collimation as the dose-reducing collimator type, and 89.2% could not identify any radiation protection regulatory body. Conclusion: Clinical dental undergraduate students at Bayero University Kano
demonstrated moderate knowledge of some fundamental radiation safety practices but showed significant deficits in technical radiation protection knowledge and were unaware of radiation protection regulatory frameworks. Curriculum reinforcement through targeted educational interventions is recommended.