Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry (Jan 2013)
Diagnosis and treatment option for dental caries using photographs a study among undergraduate students
Abstract
Background: Visual examination is the basis for diagnosing the carious lesions in clinical and field setting. Aims and Objectives: To determine the accuracy of identifying the carious lesions at different stages and their treatment options using photographs by dental undergraduates. Materials and Method: A total of 83 undergraduates (3rd year, 4th year and interns) participated in the study. A proforma with criteria for identifying the lesion and the treatment modalities were given. The photographs of lesions in different stages as diagnosed by experts were projected on the screen for 60 seconds during which the students were asked to identify the lesion and suggest the treatment option in the given proforma. Results: There were 23 (28%) 3rd year students, 38 (47%) 4th year students and 22 (25%) interns in the present study. Most of the times dentinal caries was identified and suggested for restorative treatment correctly by undergraduates than enamel and initial caries. The difference in identifying the lesions among them was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Diagnosis of cavitated lesions and their treatment plan was more accurate than for the initial lesions by undergraduates when photographs were used. This finding suggests the use of photographs beneficial as a training aid and also calls for continuous training and retraining sessions for all students to diagnose dental caries in various stages and appropriate treatment plan.
