Aims and objectives- The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of radiographic techniques used by different practitioners, the awareness regarding radiation hazards and radiation safety measures taken and the practice of radiation protection measures followed by the dental practitioners. Methods and methodology: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted using a pre-tested and pre- validated self-administered questionnaire containing 24 items to be answered. The questionnaire was hand-delivered to 227 dentists working as private practitioners in Pimpri- Chinchwad city, a list of which was obtained from the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Pimpri-Chinhwad branch. Out of 227 dentists registered in the IDA Pimpri-Chinchwad, 68 dentists were specialists, 9 were academicians, 17 dentists refused to participate in the study and 15 dentists did not return the questionnaire even after 3 consecutive visits, hence were excluded from the study. 118 dentists returned the questionnaire duly answered and hence were included in the study. Results: Out of the 118 dentists who responded, 97.5% (115) dentists used intraoral radiographic machine with 72.1% (83) using a digital sensor as image receptor and only 27.8% (32) dentists used films. 72.9% (86) dentists use bisecting angle technique, only 12.7% (15) use paralleling cone technique while the rest used both. 47.5% (56) dentists never use lead aprons and 81.4% (96) dentists never used thyroid shields. Conclusion: The results of the study clearly reflect that the awareness and practice of radiation protection is unsatisfactory. The knowledge regarding the radiographic equipment used is also disappointing. Hence all the dentists should attend educational programs on basic imaging and radiation protection on regular basis and practice dental radiology in an ethical manner making X-rays safer for patients and themselves.
