Student\'s confidence level in performing root canal treatment and its correlation with encountered errors

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the confidence level of undergraduate final-year dental students in performing root canal treatment (RCT) and the relationship to the problems encountered during RCT. A validated online questionnaire was distributed to final-year dental students at Universiti Teknologi MARA. The questionnaire utilized both scaled responses and closed-ended questions to gain data regarding students’ confidence levels in performing root canal treatment. : In this study, 93.4% of the students were confident in placing a rubber dam, 90.8% were confident in injecting local anesthesia and root canal irrigation. Procedures that were rated as least confident were access cavities and management of interappointment flare-ups. For the mean rate of self-confidence in performing RCT in the dentition, maxillary anterior teeth (4.24±0.63) ranked highest followed by mandibular premolars (4.11±0.72), whereas the least confidence was in treating maxillary molars (3.38±0.69). Higher scores of self-confidence were in the management of necrotic pulp (4.22±0.65), followed by vital pulp treatments (3.95±0.61). The main mishaps that students encountered were canal blockage (57.9%) and underestimation of length (52.6%). There is no statistically significant correlation between the confidence level and encountered errors. . : The mean overall confidence score of different endodontic procedures was high, which is 80%. Examining the confidence level of students is a crucial part of this study, which can help to enhance the quality of endodontic education in areas that need improvement.