Evaluation of Knowledge Levels of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dentists Concerning Anatomical Landmarks on Panoramic Radiography

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of dental students and newly graduated dentists concerning anatomical landmarks identified on panoramic radiographs. Methods: This study was conducted as a web-based survey. Students continuing their education in the 4th and 5th grades of dentistry faculties and dentists who graduated within the last one year were included in our study. The answers given to the anatomical points on the panoramic radiograph were recorded as "true" and "false". SPSS was used to analyse the data. The data obtained were analysed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Mann-Whitney U Test. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 300 people participated of which 59.6% of the participants were female and 40.4% were male. The answers given to a total of 18 anatomical point questions did not show a significant difference according to gender (p=0.469). There was no question that all participants answered correctly. The highest correct answer rate was found for the anatomical point 'Mental foramen' with 289 (96.3%) participants. The lowest correct answer rate was found for the anatomical point 'Soft palate' with 48 (16%) participants. According to educational status, 5th grade students were the group with statistically significantly lower correct answers (p=0.017) Conclusions: These results indicate that training approaches should be developed for anatomical landmarks with lower correct response rates. Dentists working on a complicated structure should have a good command of this anatomy, and for this purpose, efforts should be made during the teaching program on anatomical structures that are difficult to identify and keep their knowledge up to date.