Students' perceptions of post-exam feedback in oral radiology-A comparative study from two dental hygienist educational settings.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate how students perceive the benefit of participating in a teacher-organised session providing feedback on exams, termed post-exam feedback, in two dental hygienist programmes. METHODS: The study was based on interviews with 22 participants, including 18 students and 4 faculty teachers. The data were approached on the basis of thematic analysis, allowing us to generate insights on how the participants reflected on their participation in the post-exam feedback sessions and how they perceived this arrangement as learners. RESULTS: The findings from the study suggest that motivated students consider post-exam feedback to be beneficial in clearing up uncertainties and deepening their understanding of issues not fully understood during the exam, as well as supporting their further learning. Less motivated students mainly consider post-exam feedback to be relevant for students who do not pass the exams. CONCLUSIONS: Organised in a student-centred way and with attentiveness to student learning preferences, the results suggest that post-exam feedback can be valuable for enhancing assessment and supporting student learning related to exams.

The use of post-exam feedback in oral radiology: A survey study of dental and dental hygienist schools in Europe.

INTRODUCTION: A combination of summative assessments and post-exam feedback can create a formative environment to support student learning. It remains unknown to what extent feedback sessions are conducted after exams in oral radiology courses for dental and dental hygienist students in Europe. This survey study aimed to explore whether post-exam feedback sessions were conducted, and if so, in what format. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 76 dental schools in 26 countries and 34 dental hygienist schools in 14 countries in Europe. The questions addressed whether feedback was provided after exams in oral radiology, the feedback format, and whether feedback sessions were formalised or performed for other reasons. RESULTS: Questionnaire responses were received from 33 dental schools in 18 countries, and 20 dental hygienist schools in 11 countries. Information about grades was provided in 23-30% of the schools. Post-exam feedback sessions including opportunities for discussion was provided at 39% of the schools, all with guidelines stating that these sessions should be carried out. The remaining schools provided feedback either on request by individual students or as written examples of correct answers. CONCLUSION: Almost one third of the dental schools announced grades without providing any post-exam feedback that could support learning. Two fifth utilised feedback sessions to assist students in gaining knowledge and sorting out misconceptions, all according to guidelines. Given the possible learning potential in post-exam feedback with opportunity to discuss, further studies of this format would be valuable, including the role and use of feedback guidelines.

Calcified carotid artery atheromas in individuals with cognitive dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate whether cognitively impaired individuals have a higher burden of calcified carotid artery atheroma (CCAA) than controls without cognitive impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 154 cases with Alzheimer's disease (n = 52), mild cognitive impairment (n = 51), or subjective cognitive decline (n = 51) diagnosed at a university memory clinic. Seventy-six cognitively healthy controls were sampled through the Swedish population register. All participants underwent clinical oral and panoramic radiographic examinations. Two oral and maxillofacial radiologists performed blinded analyses of the panoramic radiographs for signs of CCAA, which was registered as absent or present and, if present, unilateral or bilateral. Consensus assessment was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: CCAA was common (40%) in this middle-aged and older Swedish population. We found no differences in the prevalence of CCAA between cases and controls (40% vs. 42%). CONCLUSION: Cognitively impaired patients do not have a higher burden of CCAA than matched controls without cognitive impairment.

Association of high cardiovascular risk and diabetes with calcified carotid artery atheromas depicted on panoramic radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether estimates of risk of future cardiovascular events and death and established or unknown diabetes are significantly associated with calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on panoramic radiographs (PRs). The main focus was on men and women without previous myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: The PAROKRANK (Periodontitis and its Relation to Coronary Artery Disease) study included patients with a first MI and matched control subjects. In this substudy, 738 patients (138 women) and 744 control subjects (144 women) with available PRs were assessed for CCAA. Cardiovascular risk estimates were determined according to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Established and previously unknown diabetes was also determined. RESULTS: CCAA was detected on PRs in 206 control subjects (28%) and 251 patients (34%). FRS was significantly associated with CCAA among control subjects (P = .04) and patients (P = .001). SCORE was associated with CCAA among control subjects (P < .01) but not patients (P = .07). Among men, FRS and SCORE were associated with CCAA in both control subjects and patients. Diabetes was not significantly associated with CCAA after adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated cardiovascular risk scores were associated with CCAA on PRs among control subjects. Diabetes was not independently associated with CCAA, possibly owing to selection bias.

Calcifications in the neck region of patients with carotid artery stenosis: a computed tomography angiography study of topographic anatomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to map the vertical locations of calcified carotid plaques (CCPs), osseous anatomic structures, and calcified soft tissues in the area of the carotid artery, determine to what extent CCPs are superimposed on the cervical spine in coronal images, and analyze the differences between men and women. STUDY DESIGN: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans of 79 patients were studied. CCPs were discovered in 152 of the total 158 neck sides. Evaluations were performed by using sagittal and coronal reformatted CTA images with maximum intensity projection. RESULTS: Most of the calcified anatomic structures studied, including the carotid bifurcation, were found in close relationship to the level of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae. In the coronal view, all or most of the areas of the CCPs were superimposed on the cervical spine in 22 of 44 (50%) neck sides with CCP in women and in 37 of 108 (34.2%) in men (P = .070). CONCLUSIONS: The carotid bifurcation is in close proximity to various calcified anatomic structures. This should be taken into account when diagnosing CCPs in panoramic radiographs. In the coronal view, CCPs and the cervical spine are often superimposed; thus, coronal images are not recommended for confirmation of putative carotid calcifications diagnosed on the basis of panoramic radiographs.

Bilateral vessel-outlining carotid artery calcifications in panoramic radiographs: an independent risk marker for vascular events.

BACKGROUND: In odontology, panoramic radiographs (PRs) are regularly performed. PRs depict the teeth and jaws as well as carotid artery calcifications (CACs). Patients with CACs on PRs have an increased risk of vascular events compared to healthy controls without CACs, but this association is often caused by more vascular events and risk factors at baseline. However, the risk of vascular events has only been analyzed based on the presence of CACs, and not their shape. Thus, this study determined if the shape of CACs in PRs affects the risk of future vascular events. METHODS: The study cohort included 117 consecutive patients with CACs in PRs and 121 age-matched controls without CACs. CAC shape in PRs was dichotomized into bilateral vessel-outlining CACs and other CAC shapes. Participants were followed prospectively for an endpoint of vascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death. RESULTS: Patients with bilateral vessel-outlining CACs had more previous vascular events than those with other CAC shapes and the healthy controls (p < 0.001, χ2). The mean follow-up duration was 9.5 years. The endpoint was reached in 83 people. Patients with bilateral vessel-outlining CACs had a higher annual risk of vascular events (7.0%) than those with other CAC shapes (4.4%) and the controls (2.6%) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, bilateral vessel-outlining CACs (hazard ratio: 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.5) were independent risk markers for the endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of bilateral vessel-outlining CACs in PRs are independent risk markers for future vascular events.

Long-term skill improvement among general dental practitioners after a short training programme in diagnosing calcified carotid artery atheromas on panoramic radiographs.

PURPOSE: To study general dental practitioners (GDPs) ability to detect calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) in panoramic radiographs (PRs) and if their diagnostic accuracy in long term is improved after a short training programme. METHODS: Fourteen GDPs had their diagnostic accuracy regarding CCAA in PR assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 1 year after training. Comparison was made with a reference standard based on consensus results from two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists. At each session, 100 radiographs were assessed individually by the GDPs. After the baseline assessment, the GDPs participated in a 2-hour training programme comprising a lecture and diagnostic training by calibration. The GDPs results before and after training were compared, as well as between follow-up sessions. RESULTS: A significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy was observed with increased sensitivity (from 41.8% to 55.7%, P = 0.02) without a significant decrease in specificity (from 87.2% to 86.7%, P = 0.87). The Kappa values also increased (from 0.66 to 0.71, P = 0.04). At 1-year follow-up, the improvement compared to baseline remained significant. There were no significant changes between the 2-week and 1-year follow-up assessment. CONCLUSION: A short training programme can significantly and sustainable improve GDPs diagnostic accuracy regarding CCAA.

Calcified carotid artery atheromas in panoramic radiographs are associated with a first myocardial infarction: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate whether patients with a first myocardial infarction (MI) had a higher prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on panoramic radiographs (PRs) than age-, gender-, and residential area-matched controls without MI. STUDY DESIGN: Six hundred ninety-six cases with a first MI and 696 controls were included in this substudy of the Swedish multicentre PAROKRANK study. All participants underwent panoramic radiography, and the PRs were evaluated for CCAAs. RESULTS: The prevalence of CCAAs detected by PR was 33.8% (235 of 696) in cases and 27.6% (192 of 696) in controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.44; P = .012). Among males, 32.7% of cases (184 of 562) and 26.5% of controls (149 of 562) displayed CCAAs on PRs (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.03-1.48; P = .022). Among both genders, bilateral CCAAs were significantly more common among cases than among controls (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Cases with recent MIs had a significantly higher prevalence of CCAAs on PRs compared with controls without MIs. This difference between groups was more pronounced for bilateral CCAAs. These findings supported the hypothesis that CCAA detection could serve as a risk indicator for future MIs.

Carotid calcification in panoramic radiographs: radiographic appearance and the degree of carotid stenosis.

OBJECTIVES:: Approximately 7% of patients examined with panoramic radiographs (PRs) for odontological reasons, and with incidental findings of carotid artery calcification (CAC), have significant (≥50%) carotid stenosis (SCS). The aim of this study was to determine if the radiographic appearance of CACs in PRs could be categorized such that we could improve the positive-predictive value (PPV) for SCS detection. METHODS:: This cross-sectional study included 278 patients with CACs identified by PRs, 127 with SCS and 151 without SCS. CACs were categorized based on the following appearances: (1) single, (2) scattered or (3) vessel-outlining. Correlates were derived for each category according to positivity or not for SCS in the corresponding neck sides. For a representative adult population (in dentistry) presenting with CACs in PRs, PPVs for SCS prediction were then calculated for three subgroups based on different combinations of appearances (2) and/or (3). RESULTS:: Vessel-outlining CACs corresponded to 65% of neck sides with SCS vs 47% without SCS (p < 0.001). Single CACs corresponded to 15% of neck sides with SCS vs 27% without SCS (p = 0.006). Scattered CACs corresponded to 20% of neck sides with SCS vs 26% without SCS (p = 0.127). In the representative population, the PPVs for SCS detection were comparable (7.2-7.8%) for all three subgroups and when the presence of a CAC is the sole criterion (7.4%). CONCLUSIONS:: Stratifying the radiographic appearance of CACs in PRs does not improve the PPV for SCS detection. Whether different radiographic appearances are associated with future risk of stroke, or other cardiovascular events, remains unknown.

Carotid calcifications on panoramic radiographs: a 5-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether people with calcifications in the area of the carotid arteries on panoramic radiographs (CALPANs) have an increased prevalence of vascular risk factors or an increased risk of future vascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 113 consecutive patients with CALPANs and 116 gender- and age-matched controls without CALPANs. Vascular risk factors were generally known in the study population, since it was recorded in a population-based community-screening program. RESULTS: Patients with CALPANs had a higher prevalence of vascular risk factors than controls independent of previous vascular events. During the 5.4-year follow-up, patients with CALPANs had a higher risk of a combined endpoint of vascular events (5.6%/yr) compared with the controls (2.4%/yr) (P = .004 by log rank test; unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.3). This difference was not significant when previous vascular events and risk factors were taken into account (adjusted HR; 1.2; 95% CI 0.6-2.3; P = .62; Cox regression). CONCLUSIONS: People with CALPANs are very likely to have vascular risk factors, but these factors might be unknown when CALPANs are detected. Accordingly, patients with CALPANs should be advised to have their vascular risk factors regularly checked in order to receive advice on preventive lifestyle modifications and medical treatment when indicated. However, it remains unknown whether CALPANs add information about the independent risk of future vascular events. Therefore, further studies are warranted to investigate whether the detection of CALPANs indicates a need for additional or more intense vascular treatment.

Atherosclerotic Calcification Detection: A Comparative Study of Carotid Ultrasound and Cone Beam CT.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Arterial calcification is often detected on ultrasound examination but its diagnostic accuracy is not well validated. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of carotid ultrasound B mode findings in detecting atherosclerotic calcification quantified by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: We analyzed 94 carotid arteries, from 88 patients (mean age 70 ± 7 years, 33% females), who underwent pre-endarterectomy ultrasound examination. Plaques with high echogenic nodules and posterior shadowing were considered calcified. After surgery, the excised plaques were examined using CBCT, from which the calcification volume (mm3) was calculated. In cases with multiple calcifications the largest calcification nodule volume was used to represent the plaque. Carotid artery calcification by the two imaging techniques was compared using conventional correlations. RESULTS: Carotid ultrasound was highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcification; with a sensitivity of 88.2%. Based on the quartile ranges of calcification volumes measured by CBCT we have divided plaque calcification into four groups: <8; 8-35; 36-70 and >70 mm3. Calcification volumes ≥8 were accurately detectable by ultrasound with a sensitivity of 96%. Of the 21 plaques with <8 mm3 calcification volume; only 13 were detected by ultrasound; resulting in a sensitivity of 62%. There was no difference in the volume of calcification between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: Carotid ultrasound is highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcified atherosclerotic lesions of volume ≥8 mm3; but less accurate in detecting smaller volume calcified plaques. Further development of ultrasound techniques should allow better detection of early arterial calcification.

Calcium quantity in carotid plaques: detection in panoramic radiographs and association with degree of stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine calcium volume in extirpated carotid plaques, analyze correlations between calcium volume and degree of stenosis, and analyze whether calcium volume influences the possibility of detecting stenosis in panoramic radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-seven consecutive patients with ultrasonography-verified carotid stenosis were examined with panoramic radiography before surgery. Extirpated carotid plaques (n = 103) were analyzed for calcium volume by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Panoramic radiographs were analyzed for carotid calcifications. RESULTS: The median calcium volume was 45 mm(3) (first quartile subtracted from the third quartile [IQR], 14-98 mm(3)). We observed no correlation between calcium volume and degree of stenosis. Seventy-eight stenoses were situated within the region included in the panoramic radiographs, and their volumes ranged from 0 to 509 mm(3). Of these, 99% revealed carotid calcifications on panoramic radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between calcium volume and degree of carotid stenosis. Calcium volume did not influence the possibility of detecting carotid calcifications in panoramic radiographs.

Detection of calcifications in panoramic radiographs in patients with carotid stenoses ≥50%.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid stenoses ≥50% are associated with increased risk for stroke that can be reduced by prophylactic carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Calcifications in arteries can be detected in panoramic radiographs (PRs). In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed (1) extirpated plaques for calcification, (2) how often PRs disclosed calcified plaques, (3) how often patients with stenoses ≥50% presented calcifications in PRs, and (4) the additional value of frontal radiographs (FRs). STUDY DESIGN: Patients (n = 100) with carotid stenosis ≥50% were examined with PRs and FRs before CEA. Extirpated carotid plaques were radiographically examined (n = 101). RESULTS: It was found that 100 of 101 (99%) extirpated plaques were calcified, of which 75 of 100 (75%) were detected in PRs; 84 of 100 (84%) patients presented carotid calcifications in the PRs, in 9.5% contralateral to the stenosis ≥50%. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid calcifications are seen in PRs in 84% of patients with carotid stenosis ≥50%, independent of gender. FRs do not contribute significantly to this identification.

A randomized controlled trial on 2 simulation-based training methods in radiology: effects on radiologic technology student skill in assessing image quality.

INTRODUCTION: A simulator for virtual radiographic examinations was developed. In the virtual environment, the user can perform and analyze radiographic examinations of patient models without the use of ionizing radiation. We investigated if this simulation technique could improve education of radiology technology students. We compared student performance in the assessment of radiographic image quality after training with a conventional manikin or with the virtual radiography simulator. METHODS: A randomized controlled experimental study involving 31 first-year radiology technology students was performed. It was organized in 4 phases as follows: (I) randomization to control or experimental group based on the results of an anatomy examination; (II) proficiency testing before training; (III) intervention (control group, exposure and analysis of radiographic images of the cervical spine of a manikin; experimental group, exposure and analysis of the cervical spine images in the virtual radiography simulator); and (IV) proficiency testing after training. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly higher scores after training compared with those before training (P < 0.01). A linear mixed-effect analysis revealed a significant difference between the control and experimental groups regarding proficiency change (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual radiographic simulation is an effective tool for learning image quality assessment. Simulation can therefore be a valuable adjunct to traditional educational methods and reduce exposure to x-rays and tutoring time.

Ultrasound screening for asymptomatic carotid stenosis in subjects with calcifications in the area of the carotid arteries on panoramic radiographs: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Directed ultrasonic screening for carotid stenosis is cost-effective in populations with > 5% prevalence of the diagnosis. Occasionally, calcifications in the area of the carotid arteries are incidentally detected on odontological panoramic radiographs. We aimed to determine if directed screening for carotid stenosis with ultrasound is indicated in individuals with such calcifications. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Carotid ultrasound examinations were performed on consecutive persons, with findings of calcifications in the area of the carotid arteries on panoramic radiography that were otherwise eligible for asymptomatic carotid endarterectomy. RESULTS: Calcification in the area of the carotid arteries was seen in 176 of 1182 persons undergoing panoramic radiography. Of these, 117 fulfilled the inclusion criterion and were examined with carotid ultrasound. Eight persons (6.8%; 95% CI 2.2-11.5%) had a carotid stenosis--not significant over the 5% pre-specified threshold (p = 0.232, Binomial test). However, there was a significant sex difference (p = 0.008), as all stenoses were found in men. Among men, 12.5% (95%CI 4.2-20.8%) had carotid stenosis--significantly over the 5% pre-specified threshold (p = 0.014, Binomial test). CONCLUSIONS: The incidental finding of calcification in the area of the carotid arteries on panoramic radiographs should be followed up with carotid screening in men that are otherwise eligible for asymptomatic carotid endarterectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00514644.

Dental student skill retention eight months after simulator-supported training in oral radiology.

The purpose of this project was to investigate the long-term effects on skill to interpret spatial information in radiographs after conventional and simulator-supported training. The study was a follow-up of a previously reported randomized experimental study. The original study population was comprised of fifty-seven dental students. Forty-five individuals agreed to participate in a follow-up study eight months after completion of the original study. During the time interval between completion of the previous study and the follow-up study, the participants underwent an examination in oral radiology and had theoretical and clinical training in other topics than oral radiology. Skill at interpreting spatial information in radiographs was assessed with a previously used test instrument. The test instrument was identical with the instrument used for baseline assessment in the original study. The results showed that the skill to interpret spatial relations in radiographs eight months after completion of simulator-supported training was significantly better (p=0.01) than before training. The conventional training showed almost the same pattern, but the difference was smaller and not statistically significant (p=0.11). It is concluded that simulator-supported training is a valuable adjunct to conventional educational methods in oral radiology.

Implant treatment of patients with edentulous jaws: a 20-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Implant-supported prostheses are today often used in rehabilitation of partially or totally edentulous patients. Both patients and the dental profession often regard implant treatment as successful in a life perspective. Therefore, studies with a long-term follow-up are important. PURPOSE: The aim was to investigate the outcome of implant treatment with fixed prostheses in edentulous jaws after 20 years, with special reference to survival rate of implants and prostheses and frequency of peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient material was a group of patients treated in the early 1980s. The original patient group comprised the first 48 consecutive patients treated with implant-supported prostheses at Umeå University. All patients were edentulous in one or two jaws. The patients had a mean age at the implant insertion of 54.3 years (range 40-74). At the planning of this study 20 years after treatment, 19 of the 48 patients were found to be deceased. Of the 29 patients still alive, 21 patients with altogether 23 implant-supported prostheses could be examined clinically and radiographically. All patients were treated ad modum Brånemark (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) with a two-stage surgical procedure. The implants had a turned surface. Abutment connections were performed 3 to 4 months after fixture insertion in the mandible, and after a minimum of 6 months in the maxilla. The prostheses were fabricated with a framework of gold alloy and acrylic artificial teeth. RESULTS: The 21 patients (with 23 implant prostheses) examined had at the time of treatment got 123 implants (27 in the upper jaw and 96 in the lower jaw) inserted. Only one of these implants had been lost (about 2 years after loading) giving a survival rate of 99.2%. Very small changes occurred in the marginal bone level. Between the 1 and 20-year examinations, the mean bone loss was 0.53 mm and the mean bone level at the final examination was 2.33 mm below the reference point. CONCLUSIONS: This follow-up over two decades of implant-supported prostheses demonstrates a very good prognosis for the treatment performed. The frequencies of peri-implantitis, implant failures, or other complications were very small, and the original treatment concept with a two-stage surgery and a turned surface of the implants will obviously give very good results.

A randomized trial of simulation-based versus conventional training of dental student skill at interpreting spatial information in radiographs.

INTRODUCTION: A radiology simulator has been developed. We tested the simulator with students in an oral radiology program for training interpretation of spatial relations in radiographs utilizing parallax. The aim of the study was to compare learning outcome regarding interpretative skill after training in the simulator vs. after conventional training. METHODS: Fifty-seven dental students voluntarily participated in a randomized experimental study. The participants' proficiency in interpretation of spatial information in radiographs and their visual-spatial ability was assessed. Proficiency was assessed by a test instrument designed by the authors and visual-spatial ability with the Mental Rotations Test, version A (MRT-A). Randomization to training group was based on pre-training proficiency test results. The experimental group trained in the simulator and the control group received conventional training. Training lasted for 90 minutes for both groups. Immediately after training a second proficiency test was performed. RESULTS: The proficiency test results were significantly higher after training for the experimental group (P < or = 0.01), but not for the control group. Univariate variance analysis of difference in proficiency test score revealed a significant interaction effect (P = 0.03) between training group and MRT-A category; in the experimental group there was a stronger training effect among students with low level of MRT-A. CONCLUSIONS: Training in the simulator improved skill in interpreting spatial information in radiographs when evaluated immediately after training. For individuals with low visual-spatial ability simulator based training seems to be more beneficial than conventional training.