The researchers noted that despite previous studies showing high success rates for root canal treatment, undergraduate dental students generally have low success rates, which may reflect a lack of adequate root canal treatment training during their undergraduate years.
The lower success rate for root canal treatment in molars is particularly evident because of their more complex morphology and root canal system compared to other teeth.
“Given that preclinical dental education is a critical stage in preparing students for clinical practice, training in root canal fillings in molars should be strengthened,” the researchers said.
In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the researchers evaluated the quality of root canal fillings in 260 extracted mandibular first and second molars from an undergraduate preclinical training program.
The samples were evaluated for filling length, density, and taper using endodontic records and periapical radiographs.
The results showed that third-year students performed better than second-year students (44.5% and 12%, respectively), but overall, only 25.8% (n=67) of root canal fillings met acceptable technical standards. In addition, students were more susceptible to manual instrument use and operating errors.
The study suggested that the introduction of a more systematic endodontic course in undergraduate training, covering modern filling techniques and advanced materials, would help improve students’ root canal filling skills.
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