Pattern of radiographic referrals among interns during endodontic treatment: A survey

The spread of infection in the dental hard tissue begin as a carious lesion and spreads to the apical tissues and bone which are difficult to analyse clinically. Hence to assess the extent and type of destruction, to help reach a diagnosis and decide on the treatment modality radiographs become mandatory. Aim: To assess the pattern of radiographic referrals among interns during endodontic treatment in a private dental college. To study the pattern of use of radiographs among interns of a dental college and to assess their awareness about radiographic use among the above population. A cross-sectional questionnaire design was employed in the present study. Questions were based on the number and type of radiographs prescribed, and also on their knowledge in concerns of their understanding of dental radiography. The response rate was 88%. 55% were females and 45% were males. In their tenure of two months posting in endodontics, we were happy to know that 50% of our subjects were proficient in interpreting radiograph. We feel there is need to develop a broad evidence based criteria for radiographic prescription in endodontic practice and has to be included in the dental school curriculum.