Abstract
Dentists' incorrect behavior with regards to Oral Radiology, as reported in the literature, has been related to inadequate training of undergraduates. AIM: This study assessed dental undergraduates' knowledge of Oral Radiology. METHODS: A questionnaire containing 30 questions pertaining to three domains - General Principles, Radiobiology/Radioprotection and Technique/Interpretation - was used as data collection instrument. A total of 195 students answered the questionnaires. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between second-, third- and fourth-year students (p>0.05) when the whole questionnaire and the General Principles domain (p>0.05) were considered. The Technique/Interpretation domain presented a borderline statistical significance level (p=0.051), with more correct answers attributed to second-year students. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was seen for the Radiobiology/Radioprotection domain, in which the fourth-year students performed better. CONCLUSIONS: Dental undergraduates' knowledge of Oral Radiology did not increase or decrease significantly comparing the undergraduate years. However, with the exception of the Technique/Interpretation domain, students of more advanced undergraduate years answered more correctly the questions. Nevertheless, the Technique/Interpretation domain should be reinforced throughout the undergraduate course.
Highlights
Received for publication: February 25, 2013 Accepted: June 11, 2013Correspondence to: Sergio Lins de-Azevedo-Vaz Federal University of Espirito Santo, School of Dentistry, Department of Clinical Dentistry Avenida Marechal Campos 1468, CEP: 29043-900 – Maruípe, Vitória, ES, BrasilBraz J Oral Sci. 12(2):[109-113]
First-year students did not participate because Oral Radiology is not a subject in their curriculum
Brazil has the largest number of Oral Radiology courses and oral radiologists[14]
Summary
Inappropriate procedures mostly involve inadequate development of films, use of cone indicators, incorrect radiographic techniques, excessive exposure time, failure to protect patients during radiographic exposure, and improper disposal of processing solutions and lead foil[3] These procedures result in radiographs of inadequate quality for diagnosis, higher radiation doses for patients and damage to the environment[3]. In Brazil, the Ministry of Education has proposed new Curriculum Guidelines for Dental Courses[10]. Learning deficiencies must be assessed in order to propose methodological strategies and improve the course With such a background, this study set out to investigate the development of Oral Radiology knowledge during an undergraduate dental course
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