Assessment of Awareness and Attitude Toward Dental Radiography Among Patients at a University Dental Clinic in Ebonyi State

Patient anxiety about dental radiography may lead to refusal of necessary diagnostic imaging, and studying awareness and attitudes in a South East Nigerian dental clinic population helps dentists improve communication and consent processes. This study assessed the awareness, attitudes, and concerns regarding dental radiography among new patients at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital Dental Clinic, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. A cross-sectional survey of 260 new dental patients was conducted over four months. A structured questionnaire evaluated prior exposure to dental X-rays, awareness of diagnostic utility, concerns about radiation exposure, attitudes toward dentist recommendations for radiographs, and information sources. Results showed that 51.5 percent had previously undergone dental radiography. Among those with prior experience, only 38.0 percent understood that radiographs helped detect hidden disease. Radiation fear was expressed by 44.2 percent of respondents, predominantly regarding cumulative exposure effects. Willingness to accept radiography when recommended by the dentist was 72.3 percent. Refusal based on radiation fear was reported by 12.7 percent of those with prior radiograph experience. Educational level was a significant positive predictor of correct understanding of radiation safety. The study concludes that patient misconceptions about radiographic risk are common and may affect compliance. Recommendations include standardised pre-radiographic patient explanation protocols, provision of written radiation safety information, and training dental staff in radiation safety communication at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital.

Keywords: dental radiography, patient awareness, radiation concern, dental diagnosis, Ebonyi State