Occupational radiation exposure among dental practitioners using digital intraoral and panoramic imaging systems: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Digital intraoral and panoramic radiography have significantly reduced patient radiation exposure; however, occupational exposure among dental practitioners in the digital era requires quantitative synthesis.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate mean occupational radiation dose among dental professionals using digital 2D imaging systems and to explore heterogeneity sources. Materials and Methods:Five electronic databases were searched from January 2000to January 2025 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.Observational and experimental studies reporting quantitative occupational dose measurements (mSv/µSv) were included.Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-E and ROB-2 tools.A random-effects meta-analysis was performed.Heterogeneity was evaluated using I² statistics, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on practitioner type and imaging system.Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria.The pooled correlation effect size was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.06-0.54;p=0.004), with extremely high heterogeneity (I²=99.94%).Subgroup analysis showed dentists had a higher pooled mean dose estimate (0.91 mSv; 95% CI: -0.01 to 1.82) compared to mixed dental staff (0.08 mSv; p=0.000 for subgroup difference).No significant differences were observed between handheld, panoramic, and mixed digital systems.Meta-regression demonstrated a weak but statistically significant association between mean dose and effect size (slope=0.02;p=0.050).Conclusion: Occupational radiation…
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