Simulation-Based Training in Dental Radiography: The Impact of Qbion Software on Learning Outcomes for Dentistry Students

Abstract

Introduction: Enhancing the quality of radiographic imaging is crucial for minimising patient exposure to ionising radiation resulting from repeated X-rays. Addressing technical errors during patient positioning is vital for obtaining accurate extraoral radiographs. Radiological simulation offers dentistry students a unique opportunity to refine their skills and gain experience in taking intraoral and extraoral X-rays without ionising radiation. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted among 98 dental students. Half of them comprised the control group which had taken a course in radiography, and the other 50% were the study group who additionally underwent Qbion training. Respondents answered 13 single- and multiple-choice questions concerning one correct and 12 panoramic radiographs with one, two or three positioning errors. The students were asked to identify the reason for the occurrence of a technical error. The results were analysed descriptively. Results: A correctly taken panoramic X-ray was recognised by 79 students (80.6%). Among them, 44 students (55.7%) used the Qbion software. The most commonly identified error was asymmetrical patient positioning, identified by 78 of 98 respondents (79.6%)—43 (55.1%) in the study group and 35 (44.9%) in the control group. The most difficult question concerning the too forward position of the patient was correctly answered only by 34 students. Discussion: Students utilising Qbion software demonstrated a higher accuracy in answering questions related to radiographic errors, indicating the software's effectiveness in enhancing practical skills. The analysis of multiple-choice questions showed that the higher the degree of difficulty, the lower the percentage of correct answers. Conclusions: The results suggest that integrating radiological simulation tools, like Qbion, significantly improves learning outcomes for students. However, further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings.