The necessity of radiographic investigation before dental extraction from a student’s perspective

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine students’ points of view regarding the necessity of dental radiography for examination. Material and Methods: A Google form questionnaire formulated by A. J. and F. A. was circulated among dental students, through dental students’ channels on Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook for 26 days (from December 10, 2021, to January 4, 2022). The questionnaire contains six questions on what is thought to be relevant to the study’s aim. The questions were based on 16 years of educational experience in clinical training in the oral surgery clinic. Students from Baghdad, Basra, Anbar, and Babylon provinces participated in this study. Contributions were from governmental and private dental schools. The questionnaire constituted six items investigating aspects of radiographic investigations concerning dental extraction, as viewed by dental students. Results: Two hundred and fifty-four students and new graduates answered the questionnaire. The overwhelming majority (67.3%) of participants stated that a radiograph is needed for all teeth before dental extraction. Seventy-five out of 180 participants think that an X-ray is required to evaluate the relationship with vital structure. Out of 254, 163 participants preferred a periapical radiograph before dental extraction followed by OPG. The change in the tendency toward X-ray type during the academic year has been statistically confirmed (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Students and new graduates seem to favor taking X-ray before dental extraction only if needed. It seems to suggest that with the progress of the study, participants are more inclined to choose problem-based X-ray examinations. The screening purpose of X-ray investigation seems to be overlooked with the progress of study and practice.