(PR44) Radiographic Assessment of Primary Endodontic Therapy Completed by Predoctoral Dental Students

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the technical quality of primary root canal therapy (RCT) completed by predoctoral dental students at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) as well as treatment patterns associated with treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A query of electronic health records was conducted for RCTs completed by predoctoral students, between 2017 and 2019. A random sample of 280 cases was selected. Data collected included tooth type, number of treatment visits, and time elapsed to permanent restoration. Treatment quality was assessed radiographically as “acceptable” or “unacceptable” based on the following criteria: density of obturation, length of obturation, and presence of iatrogenic error(s). Two independent reviewers assessed each case. A third reviewer resolved any disagreements. Descriptive statistics were reported and statistical analysis was conducted using chi square test.

Results: Preliminary results are reported for 89 teeth: Anterior (31.5%); Premolar (40.4%); Molar (28.1%). Permanent restorations were present for 75.3% of cases with an average of 33.8 days to placement (SD=42.1). Iatrogenic errors were identified in 11.2% of cases, transportation was the most common error. Overall, 51% cases met the criteria for “acceptable” quality. Tooth type was associated with technical quality: 24% of molars met the criteria for “acceptable” compared to 60.7% and 63.9% of anterior and premolar teeth, respectively (p=0.005).

Conclusion: Primary RCTs on molar teeth had poorer technical quality, when completed by predoctoral students, compared to other tooth types. When permanent restorations were present, the majority were placed within the first 59 days post-RCT.