Quality of periapical radiographs taken by undergraduate students during endodontic treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Correct radiographic interpretation depends on theavailability of high quality images, free from technique and processingerrors. Documenting the kind and the frequency of errors, as an integralpart of a quality assessment program, will help to identify and to correctexisting deficiencies. Objective: To evaluate the quality of radiographsobtained by Endodontics students from the undergraduation courseof a public university. Material and methods: A total of 1,823radiographs were analyzed, of which 1,408 were taken with the use of a film-holder and 415 without it. The radiographs were made employingthe same kind of film (Insight – Kodak) and of X-ray units (50 KV),with a 0.8-second exposure time, and they were processed in acrylicboxes using the visual method. With the help of a magnifying glass(2.5X) and a viewbox, three examiners analyzed the radiographs andregistered errors related to the following parameters: image contrast(light or dark), vertical and horizontal angulations, positioning (filmand/or radiation beam), and radiograph processing (improper fixative,stains, streaks). Results: Statistical analysis showed no significantdifferences among the examiners. The highest frequency of errors wasseen in the radiograph processing, followed by the positioning andimage contrast; light images were more often registered than dark ones.Conclusion: Considering the positioning and the vertical and horizontalangulations, the errors frequency was statistically higher in radiographstaken without a film-holder, except in the mandibular molar group,where the frequency was statistically similar in both situations.