Abstract
ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gain understanding into the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding their levels of competence and confidence when preparing endodontic access cavities MATERIALS AND METHOD: Anonymous survey forms were given to 100 undergraduate dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Oral Health Sciences. Students were asked to indicate their self-confidence level by using a 5-point Likert scale as 'not confident', 'manageable', 'comfortable and confident',' extremely confident' and 'never done it'. RESULTS: The response rate was 75 % out of 100 students. The majority of the participants (88%) indicated that they would perform endodontic access cavity preparation with ease on anterior teeth and the lowest (43%) confidence levels was indicated on multi-rooted posterior teeth Keywords: Perceptions, clinical experiences, endodontic access cavity preparation, teaching and learning.
Highlights
Endodontic treatment and management of patients is a multi-fold approach
The majority of the participants (88%) indicated that they would perform endodontic access cavity preparation with ease on anterior teeth and the lowest (43%) confidence levels was indicated on multi-rooted posterior teeth
Of the 70 who confirmed that they were more competent in endodontic access cavity preparation on anterior teeth 36 (48.0 %) were fourth-year dental students and 34 (45.3%) were fifth-year dental students
Summary
Endodontic treatment and management of patients is a multi-fold approach It involves the complete debridement of infected tissues inside the root canal system and a root canal preparation which will meet biological and mechanical needs.[1] The first step in treating an endodontically affected tooth is the preparation of a proper access cavity.[1] The use of rotary burs to create endodontic access cavities or locating root canal orifices can cause serious iatrogenic damage to the tooth and greatly influence the prognosis and restorability.[1]. Pumela Gwengu: Dip OH, BDS, MPH, M Dent (Comm Dent), The use of rotary burs in an incorrect manner and misaligned angle of penetration is often a critical factor in iatrogenic tooth damage.[2] To prevent adverse outcomes like these, appropriately designed pre-clinical teaching and learning strategies will be required
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