Quality Analysis of Periapical Radiographs Taken by Dental Assistants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the quality of intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPA) taken by dental assistants in the department of operative dentistry. METHODOLOGY: The study design was cross-sectional descriptive type, non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to achieve the calculated sample size. A total of 100 periapical radiographs were collected for evaluation from department of operative dentistry at Hamdard University Dental Hospital, Karachi. Pre, intra and post-operative radiographs were evaluated taken during endodontic therapy. National Radiological Protection Board recommended three point quality scale was used to analyze the IOPA radiographs into excellent, acceptable or unacceptable. The targets were set according to the ?Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment? recommendations. RESULTS: A total 100 radiographs were evaluated, 32% were classified as excellent, 45% diagnostically acceptable and 23% of the radiographs diagnostically unacceptable. Rejection rate analysis showed that incorrect film positioning was the most frequent fault resulting in missing or obscured coronal/apical area being the cause in 50% cases. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that frequent quality assessment and monitoring of dental team and their training in dental radiography would help in achieving gold standards. Furthermore, following standard guidelines increase the quality of the radiographs and enhance safety practices.