A survey on dental undergraduates' knowledge of oral radiology

ABSTRACT

Dentists’ incorrect behavior with regards to Oral Radiology, as reported in the literature, has beenrelated to inadequate training of undergraduates. Aim: This study assessed dental undergraduates’knowledge of Oral Radiology. Methods: A questionnaire containing 30 questions pertaining tothree domains - General Principles, Radiobiology/Radioprotection and Technique/Interpretation- was used as data collection instrument. A total of 195 students answered the questionnaires.Results: No statistically significant differences were found between second-, third- and fourthyearstudents (p>0.05) when the whole questionnaire and the General Principles domain (p>0.05)were considered. The Technique/Interpretation domain presented a borderline statistical significancelevel (p=0.051), with more correct answers attributed to second-year students. A statisticallysignificant difference (p<0.05) was seen for the Radiobiology/Radioprotection domain, in whichthe fourth-year students performed better. Conclusions: Dental undergraduates’ knowledge ofOral Radiology did not increase or decrease significantly comparing the undergraduate years.However, with the exception of the Technique/Interpretation domain, students of more advancedundergraduate years answered more correctly the questions. Nevertheless, the Technique/Interpretation domain should be reinforced throughout the undergraduate course.