Korea Reports Low Radiation Exposure Levels for Dentists and Dental Hygienists

SOUTH KOREA: The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recently published its ‘2022 Annual Report on Personal Radiation Exposure for Radiation Workers at Medical Institutions,’ shedding light on radiation exposure levels among medical professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists.

Steady Increase in Radiation Workers

Over the past five years, the number of radiation workers in medical institutions, encompassing dentists, doctors, and radiologists, has seen a notable increase of approximately 19.3%. This surge brought the total to 106,165 in 2022, up from 89,025 in 2018. Among these professions, dentists, doctors, and radiologists collectively represented 72% of the radiation workers.

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Despite the growth in the number of radiation workers, the average annual radiation exposure dose per person remained remarkably low at 0.38 mSv in 2022, mirroring the previous year’s figures. This exposure level is significantly below the annual dose limit of 50mSv, amounting to less than 1/100th of the permissible limit.

Comparison with International Standards

Comparing these results with radiation exposure levels in developed countries, South Korea still registers relatively higher figures. For instance, the average annual radiation exposure dose for medical radiation workers in South Korea was higher than in countries such as France (0.27mSv in 2021), Japan (0.28mSv in 2021), Germany (0.34mSv in 2020), and Canada (0.08mSv in 2018).

The average annual radiation exposure dose varied by occupation within the medical field. Radiologists reported the highest dose at 0.82 mSv, followed by doctors at 0.28 mSv and nursing assistants at 0.24 mSv. In contrast, dentists and dental hygienists had the lowest radiation exposure levels among all occupations, reporting doses of 0.15 mSv and 0.13 mSv, respectively.

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Ensuring Radiation Safety

To minimise radiation exposure among medical professionals, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has implemented a training system for radiation safety management managers at medical institutions. They also maintain rigorous efforts to monitor workers with higher radiation exposure levels, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The report highlights the commitment of the Korean healthcare system to maintaining the safety and well-being of medical professionals working with radiation.

For additional information on this report, visit the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website.