Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.02223
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Original Article

Challenges faced by undergraduate dental students during root canal treatment: a survey study

Desafios enfrentados por estudantes de graduação em odontologia durante o tratamento de canal radicular: um estudo de pesquisa

Gurdeep SINGH; Abubaker QUTIESHAT; Ahmad AL WAHAIBI

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Abstract

Introduction: root canal treatment is a challenging procedure often first encountered by undergraduate dental students, leading to various difficulties and mistakes.

Objective: this study aimed to identify the specific difficulties encountered by undergraduate dental students during root canal treatment and the frequency of mistakes they committed in relation to these difficulties.

Material and method: this study employed a cross-sectional survey design. A cohort of 60 third-year students completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 27 questions addressing various aspects of endodontic treatment and 11 key areas of root canal procedures. The response options for each question were based on a 4-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using Python programming language and heatmaps were created using the seaborn library to better understand the distribution of the data.

Result: students encounter challenges in developing tactile sensation, accessory cone placement, and accurately reaching the apex during canal location. Dental schools should focus on improving students' tactile skills and methods to reach the apex to enhance the effectiveness of root canal treatment education. In contrast, students reported fewer mistakes in rubber dam application and safety measures during treatment. Dental educators should emphasize proper instrument use and safety precautions during root canal treatment. Interestingly, students did not perceive these areas as problematic despite committing mistakes.

Conclusion: this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and mistakes encountered by undergraduate dental students during root canal treatment. Dental educators should address these issues to improve students' skills and techniques and provide optimal patient care.

Supplementary material

Keywords

Dental education, dental students, root canal preparation, tactile perception

Resumo

Introdução: o tratamento endodôntico é um procedimento desafiador, frequentemente encontrado pela primeira vez por estudantes de odontologia, levando a diversas dificuldades e erros.

Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as dificuldades específicas encontradas por estudantes de graduação em Odontologia durante o tratamento endodôntico e a frequência de erros cometidos por eles em relação a essas dificuldades.

Material e método: este estudo empregou um desenho de pesquisa transversal. Um grupo de 60 estudantes do terceiro ano respondeu a um questionário autoaplicável composto por 27 perguntas abordando vários aspectos do tratamento endodôntico e 11 áreas-chave dos procedimentos de canal radicular. As opções de resposta para cada questão foram baseadas em uma escala Likert de 4 pontos. A análise dos dados foi realizada utilizando a linguagem de programação Python e mapas de calor foram criados utilizando a biblioteca seaborn para melhor compreender a distribuição dos dados.

Resultado: os alunos encontram desafios no desenvolvimento da sensação tátil, na colocação do cone acessório e no alcance preciso do ápice durante a localização do canal. As escolas de odontologia devem se concentrar em melhorar as habilidades táteis e os métodos dos alunos para alcançar o ápice e aumentar a eficácia do ensino sobre tratamento de canal radicular. Em contrapartida, os estudantes relataram menos erros na aplicação do dique de borracha e nas medidas de segurança durante o tratamento. Os educadores odontológicos devem enfatizar o uso adequado dos instrumentos e as precauções de segurança durante o tratamento do canal radicular. Curiosamente, os alunos não consideraram estas áreas problemáticas, apesar de cometerem erros.

Conclusão: este estudo fornece informações valiosas sobre os desafios e erros encontrados por estudantes de odontologia durante o tratamento endodôntico. Os educadores odontológicos devem abordar essas questões para melhorar as habilidades e técnicas dos alunos e fornecer o melhor atendimento ao paciente.

Material suplementar

Palavras-chave

Educação odontológica, estudantes de odontologia, preparo de canal radicula, percepção tátil

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Submitted date:
09/25/2023

Accepted date:
10/10/2023

654e5013a953951b5b431b74 rou Articles
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Rev. odontol. UNESP

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