Radiation Biology
Radiation Biology for dentistry students covers the fundamental principles of how ionizing radiation interacts with biological tissues and its implications for patient care and practitioner safety. A key topic is understanding ionizing radiation, which includes the types of radiation used in dental imaging, such as X-rays, and how they deposit energy in tissues. Students learn about direct and indirect effects of radiation at the cellular and molecular levels, including DNA damage, mutations, and cellular repair mechanisms. Another critical concept is the radiolysis of water, where ionizing radiation interacts with water molecules in the body, generating free radicals that can cause oxidative damage to cellular structures, potentially leading to long-term biological effects. Understanding these processes is essential for minimizing risks while optimizing diagnostic imaging techniques.These topic also explores radiation-induced cancer risk models, which describe the probability of developing cancer due to radiation exposure. Students are introduced to two primary models: the linear no-threshold (LNT) model, which assumes that any amount of radiation exposure carries some level of risk, and alternative dose-response models that suggest potential thresholds for biological damage. These concepts help students critically evaluate radiation exposure risks in dental radiology and reinforce the importance of adhering to radiation protection principles, such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). By integrating these topics, we ensures that future dentists understand both the biological consequences of radiation and the ethical responsibility to protect patients and themselves from unnecessary radiation exposures.
