Evaluation of the Outcome of Endodontic Treatments Performed by Undergraduate Students of Mashhad Dental School

Successful endodontics training is the integration of students' skills and knowledge as the basis for mastery and competence in the work. Therefore, they can perform satisfactory non-surgical endodontic treatment on single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth. The present study aimed to determine the results and evaluate the success rate of endodontic treatment to improve the outcome of treatment conducted by general students of Mashhad Dental School in 2011-2012.

A total of 70 records of treated patients were reviewed by students, and they were recalled for follow-up. The success of endodontic treatment was firstly assessed based on clinical criteria and then based on radiographic criteria in one of three groups: success, failure, and unknown. Other factors including age, gender, tooth area, jaw, post-restoration, causes of inappropriate treatment, and student’s educational level that could affect success were also assessed.

In the present study, 74.3%, 20%, and 5.7% of treatments were successful, failed, and unknown, respectively. Twelve (17.1%) teeth were extracted. The highest success rate was observed in health restoration and it was clinically significant (P=0.076). Age, gender, type of teeth, and jaw also had no significant effect on treatment outcome (P> 0.05). Only a significant association was observed between students' courses and the success rate of treatment (P <0.05). Also, the highest success rate was seen in proper root canal treatment and health restoration (96.4%), but there was no statistically significant association (P=0.448).

The success rate of the 70 endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students from Mashhad dental school was 74.3%. Proper restoration after root canal therapy is a factor affecting the treatment results.