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A survey on dental undergraduates’ knowledge of oral radiology
de-Azevedo-Vaz, Sergio Lins; de Faria Vasconcelos, Karla; Rovaris, Karla; de Paula Ferreira, Naiara & Haiter Neto, Francisco
Abstract
Dentists’ incorrect behavior with regards to Oral Radiology, as reported in the literature, has been
related to inadequate training of undergraduates. Aim: This study assessed dental undergraduates’
knowledge of Oral Radiology. Methods: A questionnaire containing 30 questions pertaining to
three 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 fourth-year
students (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 significance
level (p=0.051), with more correct answers attributed to second-year students. A statistically
significant difference (p<0.05) was seen for the Radiobiology/Radioprotection domain, in which
the fourth-year students performed better. Conclusions: Dental undergraduates’ knowledge of
Oral Radiology did not increase or decrease significantly comparing the undergraduate years.
However, with the exception of the Technique/Interpretation domain, students of more advanced
undergraduate years answered more correctly the questions. Nevertheless, the Technique/
Interpretation domain should be reinforced throughout the undergraduate course.
Keywords
dental education, radiology, dental radiography, radiation protection, questionnaires
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