Knowledge and practice regarding dental radiological waste disposal among dental specialists and general dentists in Amol and Babol cities

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess dentists’ knowledge and practice about dental radiological wastes that are dangerous to the environment. Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-2019. All participants completed a two-section (knowledge and practice) checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA. A value of P 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Totally, 204 (73.5% general dentists and 26.5% specialists) dentists from Amol (35.8%) and Babol (64.2%) participated. The mean age of participants was 39.2 (SD± 10.9) years, and 59.2% of them were female. The average percentage of dentists’ knowledge and practice about radiological waste disposal was 42.55 and 43.12% respectively. Gender, work experience, special or general degree and city of clinical activity had no significant effect on dentists’ knowledge and practice (P 0.05(. Conclusion: More than half of dentists had no correct knowledge and practice on how to dispose of radiological wastes. It is necessary to develop specific approaches such as workshops and training classes