An Audit of the Technical Quality and Iatrogenic Errors of Root Canal Treatment by Undergraduate Dental Students at the University of Sharjah.

Yazan Mahmoud,Asma Almudalal,Aya Nassar,Leena Zihlif,Asma Alsaqer,Thilla Sekar Vinothkumar,Saaid Al Shehadat,Venkateshbabu Nagendrababu,Mohamed El-Kishawi

doi:10.1055/s-0042-1743150

Yazan Mahmoud, Asma Almudalal + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1743150

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the technical quality of root canal fillings and the presence of iatrogenic errors in the cases treated by undergraduate dental students using radiographic images. This study included 480 root-filled teeth, which were evaluated using intraoral periapical radiographic images. The technical quality of obturation was assessed by observing the length, density, and taperness of the root filling. Ledges, apical transportation, fractured instruments, zipping, and root perforation were recorded as iatrogenic errors. Teeth were classified as acceptable if the technical parameters were adequate and there were no iatrogenic errors. Data were statistically analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test. The quality of root filling was acceptable in 183 of the 480 teeth. The rate of acceptable quality was higher for the teeth treated by 4th-year students (41.9%) than for those treated by 5th-year students (27.4%; p = 0.004). Length and taperness were adequate in more of the patients treated by the 4th-year students (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the incidence of ledge formation and apical transportation in relation to the student's level (p<0.05). The technical quality of root fillings performed without iatrogenic errors by undergraduate dental students was declared acceptable in 38.1% of the assessed teeth. There was a noticeable difference in the quality of root canal treatment between the 4th- and 5th-year students. The findings demonstrate that periodic assessment of the technical quality of root filling performed by undergraduate dental students provides feedback on curriculum standards.

Highlights

Root canal treatment is an essential part of general dental practice.[1,2] The retention of natural permanent teeth is important for patients
The technical quality of root fillings performed without iatrogenic errors by undergraduate dental students was declared acceptable in 38.1% of the assessed teeth
Clinical Relevance The findings demonstrate that periodic assessment of the technical quality of root filling performed by undergraduate dental students provides feedback on curriculum standards

Summary

Introduction

Root canal treatment is an essential part of general dental practice.[1,2] The retention of natural permanent teeth is important for patients. Root canal treatment is an essential part of general dental practice.[1,2]. Undergraduate dental students should attain sound knowledge and adequate clinical skills in endodontics during their training. Dental school graduates should be able to competently perform root canal treatments.[2]. The poor technical quality of root fillings evaluated by radiographic images was related to posttreatment disease, which compromises the treatment outcome.[5–7]. The quality of root canal treatments performed by undergraduate dental students has been reported to be inadequate in many countries.[8]. This finding could be attributed to inadequate undergraduate training.[9]. In their clinical practice, general practitioners tend to follow the techniques learned during their undergraduate programs.[10]. It is necessary to continuously assess the sequelae of clinical undergraduate training in dental schools

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