치과 종사자의 일반적 특성에 따른 방사선 안전관리 및 감염관리 실천의 차이

초록

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the current status of infection control and radiation safety management among dental personnel and to analyze the correlation between their awareness levels and safety education. Methods: Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from dental professionals in clinical settings who provided informed consent. The survey assessed their educational experiences, clinical practices, and perceptions regarding radiation protection and infection control protocols. Results: Although 70.8% of the respondents had completed relevant education, 29.2% remained untrained, primarily due to a lack of educational opportunities. While 87.5% recognized the necessity of radiation protective equipment, a significant discrepancy in practice was observed: Whereas the patient lead apron usage was high (89.6%), the use of operator-specific protective gear and shielding barriers was notably low (30.2%). Alarmingly, 50% of the respondents reported manually stabilizing radiographic sensors during exposure, substantially increasing occupational radiation risks. Furthermore, while basic personal protection, such as mask usage, was common, 27.4% failed to disinfect radiographic equipment post-procedure. Statistical analysis revealed that a higher perceived risk of infectious-disease exposure was positively correlated with the perceived effectiveness of infection control education (r = .324) and the recognized importance of protective equipment (r = .306). Conclusions: The findings highlight a critical need for enhanced safety protocols for dental operators. Improving clinical compliance requires comprehensive educational programs that prioritize not only the acquisition of technical knowledge but also the heightened awareness of potential occupational hazards and clinical risks.

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