Content Analysis of YouTube Videos That Demonstrate Periapical Radiography

Abstract

No prior study has evaluated the content of YouTube videos that demonstrated how to take periapical radiographs, one of the commonest radiographic examinations in dentistry. This study provided a content analysis on these YouTube videos. Three separate searches were performed with the following search strings: (1) posterior periapical, (2) molar periapical, and (3) anterior periapical. The videos resulting from the searches were sorted by view count, and their related videos (as listed by YouTube on the right of the screen) were also screened. Exclusion criteria included irrelevance to periapical radiography, no real patient involved, no demonstration of periapical radiography procedures), non-English video, and duplicate videos. Finally, 21 videos were included and analyzed. For each included video, the following aspects were evaluated: general settings (types of image receptor, patient age, and radiographic technique), patient preparation, machine preparation, receptor placement, and operator safety. All but one were demonstrated with an adult patient. The videos were largely based on digital imaging with the use of either intraoral sensors or phosphor plates, and mostly used paralleling technique. Several common issues were identified, such as not removing the metallic objects from the patient’s head and neck region, not showing the selection of radiation dose, not placing the orientation dot on the film or phosphor plate on the occlusal side, and not wearing proper personal protective equipment. More instructional videos are definitely required. Future videos should eliminate these issues, and also demonstrate with pediatric patients. Perhaps the dental radiology department of a well-established university should be enticed to produce an instructional video that presents the technique in a flawless presentation, to facilitate the learning of dental students, dental hygienists and dental assistants who have yet to master their skills.

Are dental x-rays safe? Content analysis of English and Chinese YouTube videos

“…He has also previously published three articles that analyzed YouTube videos of dental radiography on radiographic procedures and radiographic anatomy. 12 – 14 …”

“… 6 – 11 Previous studies have evaluated the YouTube videos of dental radiography targeted for the professionals, such as radiographic procedures and radiographic anatomy. 12 – 14 However, it was of paramount importance to evaluate the videos dealing with the safety issue of dental x-rays targeted at the public. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal whether the videos reassured the public about the safety of dental radiographic examinations, assess the content covered by them and check for the presence of any inaccurate information.…”

The Performance of Paralleling Technique and Bisecting Angle Technique for Taking Periapical Radiographs: A Systematic Review

“…Proper periapical radiographs allow dental professionals to examine oral structures and associated pathologies with great accuracy to inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and the evaluation of prognosis. Taking periapical radiographs is a routine procedure performed by dentists almost on a daily basis, and there are many online videos providing educational information on the radiographic procedures related to this imaging modality [1]. Since it is frequently taken, it is important to ensure its diagnostic value to minimize the image reject rate or retake rate.…”