Assessing the Satisfaction of Third-Year Dental Students with X-ray Training across Colleges of Dentistry in Iraq - An Evaluative Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess student satisfaction in their proficiency with different intraoral radiographic techniques. Materials and Methods: A Google Form survey was formulated and circulated to both fourth- and fifth-year dental students in 10 Iraqi dental schools. Results: The analysed data reveal that most students have taken ten or fewer radiographs. Cone cuts and vertical and horizontal angulation errors were infrequent occurrences. Approximately 66% of students encountered challenges when positioning for posterior areas vertically and first premolar areas horizontally. Conversely, the anterior area proved to be less challenging. Out of 304 students, 53% expressed a reasonable level of satisfaction with their training in periapical radiography. Conclusion: Apparently, number of taken periapical radiographs is not the only factor that influences students’ satisfaction. Difficulty of implementing theoretical knowledge in the training seems to play a role in students’ satisfaction in their training.

Keywords

• dental education
• periapical radiograph
• radiographic errors
• undergraduate dental students