Endodontic root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students: Identification of technical standard and post-endodontic restorations

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a procedure to eliminate pulpal diseases with the aim to promote healing of the periradicular tissue. The RCT conducted must be of high technical standard and achieve a good quality endodontic work (GQEW) to ensure successful outcome and prolonged retention of the teeth in oral cavity. Previous studies reported poor outcome of RCT conducted by the undergraduate dental students. There is limited report documented on the quality of RCT performed by the dental students in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to identify the technical standards of the RCT and types of post-endodontic restoration placed by USIM undergraduate dental students. The radiographic obturation quality from 274 root filled teeth were evaluated against several indices. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Post treatment radiographs indicated that 84.62% of the RCT have adequate density indicating good apical seal. Meanwhile, for obturation level, the root canal filling that ends 0-2mm (optimal), >2mm away (inadequate), and beyond apex (extrusion) were 84.59%, 5%, and 10.77%, respectively. Teeth with GQEW, having both adequate root filling length and complete obturation were found in 194 (74.6%) teeth. McNemar's test revealed significant reduction in post-treatment periapical index (p<0.001) indicating good periapical healing. Permanent restoration was only placed in 48% of the teeth. In conclusion, the RCT conducted by USIM undergraduate dental students have a good technical standard. Placements of post-endodontic permanent restoration need to be emphasized in the curriculam to ensure long-term success of the endodontically treated teeth.