Knowledge and perspective of dental clinicians toward radiological waste management in dentistry

• Main Authors: Shaikh Firdous, Sonia Sodhi, Syeda Shadab Farha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology
• Subjects: Dental radiology waste; developer and fixer management; radiology waste management
• Online Access: http://www.jiaomr.in/article.asp?issn=0972-1363;year=2018;volume=30;issue=2;spage=126;epage=131;aulast=Firdous

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the daily part and parcel of dental practice. It does contribute a major section to the biomedical waste generated in the dental clinic. Pollution can be controlled only if the clinicians are aware about appropriate waste collection and disposal methods. This study aims toward evaluating the knowledge of clinicians toward this issue. Materials and Methods: A survey was performed for a sample size of 100 dental clinicians. A multiple-choice response type of questionnaire was designed with close-ended questions with a maximum choice of four responses. Responses were evaluated to extract the results. Results: An overall analysis yields total correct results which have been reported to be <50%, almost 14 out of 20 questions. This represents constrain in knowledge of the clinicians. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge may lead to serious health and environmental hazards. A governing body needs to be set-up to provide guidelines and handle proper disposal of radiologic waste.