A study for revising diagnostic reference levels for intra-oral radiology in Cyprus

Background: Intra-oral radiography (IOR) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to diagnose dental conditions. Establishing Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) is crucial to optimising radiation doses and enhancing patient safety. Objective: This study was undertaken to propose national DRLs for IOR in Cyprus for both children and adults. The study also sought to compare dose values across different detector types, a task of significant importance in dental radiography. Methods: Data was collected from 115 intraoral units in 87 private centres in Cyprus, using incident air kerma (Ki) as the parameter. Statistical analysis was conducted based on Adulthood and detector types, such as direct digital detector (DDD), indirect digital detector (IDD) and film. Results: The study revealed variability in dosing values, with third-quartile doses higher for adults than paediatric patients. DDD exhibited the lowest dose values, while film had the highest. Proposed DRLs were notably lower than the current valid DRL in Cyprus, emphasising the need for re-establishment. Conclusion: The values obtained can aid the national authority in establishing national DRLs in IOR. Establishing national intraoral DRLs in Cyprus is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and fairness of dental care in the country. With the implementation of this initiative, patients can be assured that they are receiving the highest quality of care possible.