Objectives: To investigate the use of E-speed film and rectangular collimation by Swedish dentists as a means of dose limitation in relation to their attitudes towards radiation hazards.
Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 2000 randomly selected general dental practitioners to assess their use of different types of dental X-ray film and collimators and their attitudes and knowledge on methods of dose reduction. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the effects of postgraduate courses, gender, age, working alone, and working in the Public Dental Health Service (PDHS) or private practice (PP) on the type of film and collimator used.
Results: The response rate was 69.3%. D-speed film was used by 52% and E-speed film by 47%. Round open-ended 6 cm collimators were used by 42%, while 29% used rectangular collimators. Dentists in the PDHS, who viewed dental radiography as a 'high-risk' procedure and who had attended a one-week continuing education course were twice as likely to use dose-limitation techniques.
Conclusions: Extended continuing education courses and working in PDHS promote the use of low-dose techniques. Prospects for changing the present situation are good, provided that efforts are made to increase the awareness of radiation hazards and knowledge of new techniques in under- and postgraduate education. Mandatory continuing education is proposed.