An audit of the technical quality of orthograde endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students on an endodontic clinic

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the technical quality of orthograde endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students on an endodontic special study module.Methodology A retrospective radiographic analysis of the technical standard of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate final year students undertaking an endodontic study module between 2001 and 2007 was undertaken. The module was staffed by specialist endodontists or specialist registrars with an interest in endodontics. All students completed a voluntary one term special study module for 12–14 sessions. Teeth were treated using stainless steel or Nickel Titanium instruments. Prior to using rotary Nickel Titanium instruments on patients, students were required to satisfactorily complete 10 root canals in extracted teeth using rotary Nickel Titanium instruments. All radiographs of completed endodontic treatment were assessed as to the technical quality of the root filling. Two calibrated observers assessed the radiographs under standard conditions using a lightbox and SDI radiograph viewer. The root fillings in each canal were assessed by length, satisfactory being within 0–2 mm of the radiographic apex, quality of obturation (absence of voids) classified as satisfactory, and taper, with the radiographic appearance of a uniform taper classed as satisfactory.Results A total of 506 root canals were evaluated in 218 teeth. The final radiograph was unsuitable in two teeth. The remaining sample size was 504 canals in 216 teeth (51 anterior, 29 premolar, 136 molar). Overall 394 individual root canals (78.1%) and 155 teeth (72.4%) were classed as satisfactory. For anterior teeth 45/51 (88.2%) canals and teeth were satisfactory, for premolars 32/38 canals (82.4%) and 22/29 teeth (75.8%) and molars 317/415 (76.6%) canals and 88/136 teeth (64.7%). No instruments were fractured during the study.Conclusions Overall 78.1% of canals and 72.4% of teeth met the criteria of root filling within 2 mm of the radiographic apex, no voids and uniform taper. There was a bias to treating molar teeth, which constituted 63% of the sample. This study shows that a high degree of compliance is achieved on a dedicated endodontic clinic. Furthermore, rotary nickel titanium instruments can be safely used by undergraduate students with appropriate supervision