An audit of the technical quality of primary orthograde root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students

Abstract

Aim To investigate the technical quality of primary orthograde root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students.Methodology A retrospective radiographic analysis of the technical standard of root canal treatment performed over 1 year of the undergraduate course was undertaken. All primary root canal treatments performed by late 4th and final year students between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 were evaluated. All students had completed an introductory laboratory course using stainless steel hand instruments and Gates Glidden drills and a subsequent course using Nickel titanium instruments. Additionally, some students completed a voluntary one‐term special study module (Endodontics) for 12 sessions. All radiographs of completed root canal treatments 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. The type of clinic, either a general restorative or endodontic was also recorded.Results A total of 266 root canals were evaluated in 149 teeth. The final radiograph was unsuitable in four teeth and one tooth was extracted shortly after canal preparation. The remaining sample size was 253 canals in 144 teeth (61 anterior, 37 premolar, 46 molar). No endodontic instruments were fractured during the study. Overall, 163 individual root canals (64.4%) and 87 teeth (60.4%) were classed as satisfactory. Fifty‐five canals and 21 teeth (one lower anterior, five premolars, 15 molars) were treated on the endodontic clinic, 46 canals (83.6%) and 15 teeth (71.4%) of these were satisfactory. A total of 198 canals in 123 teeth (60 anterior, 32 premolar, 31 molar) were treated on the restorative clinic with 117 canals (59.1.6%) and 72 teeth (58.5%) being satisfactory.Conclusions Overall, 60.4% of teeth met the criteria of root filling within 2 mm of the radiographic apex, no voids and uniform taper. A higher percentage of compliance was noted on the endodontic special study module.