Quality of periapical radiographs taken by undergraduate students during endodontic treatment

Resumo

Introduction: Correct radiographic interpretation depends on the
availability of high quality images, free from technique and processing
errors. Documenting the kind and the frequency of errors, as an integral
part of a quality assessment program, will help to identify and to correct
existing deficiencies. Objective: To evaluate the quality of radiographs
obtained by Endodontics students from the undergraduation course
of a public university. Material and methods: A total of 1,823
radiographs were analyzed, of which 1,408 were taken with the use of a film-holder and 415 without it. The radiographs were made employing
the 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 acrylic
boxes using the visual method. With the help of a magnifying glass
(2.5X) and a viewbox, three examiners analyzed the radiographs and
registered errors related to the following parameters: image contrast
(light or dark), vertical and horizontal angulations, positioning (film
and/or radiation beam), and radiograph processing (improper fixative,
stains, streaks). Results: Statistical analysis showed no significant
differences among the examiners. The highest frequency of errors was
seen in the radiograph processing, followed by the positioning and
image contrast; light images were more often registered than dark ones.
Conclusion: Considering the positioning and the vertical and horizontal
angulations, the errors frequency was statistically higher in radiographs
taken without a film-holder, except in the mandibular molar group,
where the frequency was statistically similar in both situations.