Original Article

Year : 2019 | Volume : 4 | Issue : 2 | Page : 27 - 31

Parent’s Attitude and Knowledge toward Dental Radiography in Children

S. Sharmila, Manju

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Introduction:

Radiographs are an essential part of most clinical dental examinations and diagnoses. Radiographs often add critical information to the clinical examination revealing developmental and eruption problem in addition to caries, pulp, and periapical pathology. Radiographic guidelines exist to avoid unnecessary exposure, as well as to identify individuals for whom radiographic examination will be beneficial. It is unknown whether radiation fears are exaggerated or whether parents recognize and accept the associated risks. The aim of this study is to determine the parental knowledge and attitude toward dental radiography in children.

Materials and Methods:

A self-administered questionnaire is prepared and distributed to 42 parents with children who are to be radiographed in the Chennai population and covering parental level of radiation and sociodemographics was applied which is used to assess attitude toward dental radiographs.

Results:

Sixty‐five percent parents have a positive attitude toward dental radiographs on their children. However, the majority of parents lack knowledge (20%) regarding dental radiography, especially regarding the risks involved.

Conclusion:

Most parents had a positive attitude toward dental radiographs, although they had limited knowledge about radiography. This study emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and appropriate information, and hence, patients and parents have a better knowledge and understanding of dental radiographs.

Keywords: Children, health, knowledge, radiation, radiograph

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article: Sharmila S, Manju. Parent’s attitude and knowledge toward dental radiography in children. Int J Soc Rehab 2019;4:27-31.