Quality of Root Canals Performed by the Inaugural Class of Dental Students at Libyan International Medical University

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to radiographically evaluate technical quality of root canal fillings performed by dental undergraduates at Libyan International Medical University in Libya. Methods. Root canal cases were treated at university dental clinic from the fall of 2012 to the fall of 2013 by the fourth and fifth year dental students. Students used step-back preparation and cold lateral compaction in the treatment. Radiographs were reviewed over a two-year period from initial procedure to final restoration. Radiographs were evaluated for adequacy or inadequacy by length, density, and taper. Length inadequacy was classified as short or overextended. Overall quality was considered “adequate” based on all three variables. Chi-square tested differences between teeth groupings and adequacy classification. Significant p value results were adjusted by Bonferroni correction. Results. Adequate length of root canal fillings were observed in roughly half of all samples (48.6%). Density was adequate in 75.8% of the samples. Taper was observed as adequate in 68.8%. Higher quality was evident in anterior teeth (plus premolars) versus molars (65.6% versus 43.3%, resp.; p < 0.04). Conclusion. Overall quality of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students was adequate in 53.9% of the cases. Significant opportunity exists to improve the quality of root canals provided by dental students.

Radiographic assessment of the quality of root canal fillings performed by senior dental students

“…This outcome enhanced the poor performance of undergraduate dental students in the area of endodontics. (8,15,25). The rates of adequate density in these studies were 75.8%, 79.5%, and 69%, respectively.…”

“…Some studies radiographically assessed only the length and density of root canal fillings but omitted the taper variable (5,7,12). However, other studies have incorporated the taper variable (6,8,13,14,25). Procedural errors have also been radiographically assessed to evaluate the quality of root canal fillings (5,6,11).…”

“…The percentage of acceptable root canal fillings was 91% when the root canal treatment was performed by an endodontist (27). Lower rates were obtained when the root canal treatment was performed by general practitioners (22,28) and senior (5,6) or inaugural dental students (8,14). Some studies have concluded that the percentage of technical success was highly improved with the rotary in¬strumentation of root canals (15,25) .…”

“…All canals were inextracted teeth; however, during advanced classes, students clinically perform nonsurgical root canal treatment of anterior and posterior teeth (5,6,7,8).…”

Radiographic technical quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students at the Academy Dental Teaching Hospital, UMST, Sudan

“…[2] Many studies have evaluated the technical quality of RCT performed by undergraduate students, with a range of acceptable outcomes. [345678]…”