Survey of radiography and radiation protection in general dental practice in Uganda

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To carry out the first survey in Uganda of all dentists and all public health dental officers (PHDO) to assess the status of dental radiography and radiation protection. METHODS: All 74 dentists and 76 PHDOs in Uganda were sent a postal questionnaire including 33 questions relating to various demographic details, radiographic equipment and radiographic techniques, including processing and radiation protection. A second questionnaire was sent to non-respondents after 3 months. RESULTS: Eighty-two per cent of dentists responded and 83% of PHDOs. Seventy per cent of the dentists and 100% of the PHDOs were trained in Uganda. Seventy-five per cent of the dentists and 30% of the PHDOs had access to one of the approximately 30 X-ray machines in the country. The majority of the equipment did not comply with current recommendations in Europe. Fifty-one per cent of dentists used machines with mechanical timers, 28% used machines with no visual warning signal and 17% used equipment with no audible warning signal. Most of the equipment was over 30 years old and only 15% of dentists knew when the equipment was last serviced. The most relevant finding of the surveys was the level of 'don't know' responses to many questions from both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of knowledge regarding dental radiography and radiation protection plus the condition of most equipment in Uganda is a matter of concern. Standards of care are considerably lower than in developed countries requiring improved undergraduate training, provision of postgraduate courses and Ugandan governmental or international financial assistance.

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