Comparison of the Number of Dental Radiographs Taken by Dental Students with the Approved Number in the Educational Curriculum

Abstract

Introduction: Pursuing the educational curriculum is both vital and essential for the attainment of academic objectives. In this study, it was assessed how closely the quantity and variety of radiographs completed by dental students in Yazd City aligned with those mandated by the formal educational curriculum. Methods: In order to conduct this study, the students enrolled in practical radiology units 1, 2 or 3 during the first semester of the 2022-2023 academic year were invited to voluntarily share their logbooks.  Demographic information, including the specific practical radiology unit and academic semester, along with the number and type of radiographic stereotypes prepared by students, were meticulously documented and compared with the mandatory radiographs specified in the educational curriculum of radiology practical units. Finally, the collected data were analyzed through the application of SPSS version 16 and ANOVA and T-test. Results: Across all practical radiology units 1, 2 and 3, the frequency of paralleling, occlusal, panoramic and lateral cephalometric technique radiographs was nonexistent. In practical radiology unit 1, the mean ratio of bisecting-angle radiographs taken to the number specified in the educational curriculum was 119%, while in practical radiology unit 2, it was 173%.  Regarding bitewing radiography, this mean ratio was 87% in practical radiology unit 1 and 166% in practical radiology unit 2. Furthermore, the mean for practical radiology unit 3 reached 1970%. Conclusion: Given these inconsistencies, it appears that a re-evaluation of the educational curriculum as it relates to the implementation of practical training within the department of oral and maxillofacial radiology is needed.