Evaluation of the undergraduate students’ ability on radiographic technique

Objectives: During the graduate course, the correct documentation of endodontic procedures is very important, especially over the evolution of the treatments and their legal aspects. The aim of this study was to assess the students' behavior and ability when using radiographic techniques during the Endodontic course of a dental school. Methods: Eighty files of patients treated in 2003 in the Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry – University of São Paulo, by students were randomly selected. Each file contained 5 radiographs per dental treatment. The X-ray (Dabi Atlante), periapical films (Kodak) and the exposure time were patterned. The processing was made in the portable dark chamber. The radiographs were assessed by 3 evaluators using a lope(3X) and an illuminator. Results: 305 (80.26%) radiographs had errors: 100 (32.78%) had technique errors and 205 (67.21%) had processing errors. Among the technique errors, the most evident error was elongation (38%). Among the processing errors, the most evident error was deficient washing (27.3%). Tukey test showed statistical difference for the radiographic errors (p<0.001). Conclusions: It can be concluded that a improvement of the radiographic pattern is necessary, especially during the graduate course.