Quality of Root Canal Therapy (RCT) Performed by the Undergraduate Students at the Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the technical quality of root canal therapy using periapical digital radiographs performed by undergraduate dental students at the Qassim University College of Dentistry, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Study Design: Retrospective study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the college of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia from 2014-2017.

Materials and Methods: Digital periapical radiographs of endodontically treated teeth were collected to examine the parameters (length, density and taper) of root filling. The length of the root canal filling (RCF) was categorized as adequate, overfilled, and short to the radiographic apex. Density and tapering of the filling based on voids and uniform tapering from the orifice to the apex. Chi-square test was used to determine association between different variables. (tooth type, gender and year of student).

Results: The length of root canals fillings was acceptable in 89.6% (n=361) teeth. The poor density and tapering of RCF were more frequently found in premolars 26.1%, 22.8% respectively than molars and anterior teeth. The acceptable density of RCF was more in 5^th year students and male students. The poor taper was significant in RCF performed by 4th-year students as compared to the 5th-year students (P = 0.013).

Conclusion: The radiographic quality of the root canal therapy performed by undergraduate students in the College of Dentistry, Qassim University has been found acceptable. However, there is a need to update the techniques of RCT at preclinical and clinical levels.