Interpretation of Periapical Radiographs in Pediatric Odontology: A Study of Predoctoral Dental Students at FDC

Abstract

In pediatric dentistry, intra oral periapical radiography is a useful or even indispensable diagnostic aid before any treatment and therefore an essential part of pre-doctoral training. A study was carried out among the students in the process of completing their thesis at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Casablanca (FMDC), with the objective of determining their abilities and aptitudes as well as their weaknesses and limitations with regard to the interpretation of a periapical radiograph taken in children. The present study involved a sample of 30 students randomly selected and assembled in a room willing to fill out survey forms and shown a POWER POINT presentation of periapical radiographs. The results showed that 83.3% of the students were able to identify technical pitfalls, 93.3% were able to recognize oral anatomical structures, and 96.7% were able to detect carious and traumatic pathology on the radiographic images. However, some deficiencies were reported such as the ability to identify certain anatomical traps such as the maxillary sinus and the chin hole as well as the ability to detect apical complications of dental pathology. In order to remedy the observed weaknesses and to strengthen the students' skills, it is necessary to revise the teaching methods and to make available new technical means.