| A comparison of two dental radiographic techniques was investigated by observing dental assisting students who were completing dental radiography preclinical course assignments during their dental radiology course. Students were required to expose designated radiographic projections using the Stabe-Paralleling and the Precision Instrument-Paralleling methods. The subsequent radiographs were evaluated by dental radiology teachers and compared for image quality and student performance. Additional data were obtained using an attitude survey administered to students and faculty.; Utilizing correlational analysis, packet placement errors were found to be significantly higher when the Precision Instrument was used and vertical angulation errors were significantly higher when students used the Stabe method. For both methods, more horizontal type errors were projected as students progressed through their assignments, which is generally believed to be uncharacteristic of students learning radiographic technique. In addition, no significant difference with regard to preference for using either method was noted among students but faculty unanimously preferred the Stabe method.; Data relating to socio-demographic variables believed to influence student performance were collected. These included age, SAT scores and number of years post-secondary education completed. The best predictor of student success when learning to expose periapical and bitewing radiographs based upon this data was SAT math score and, to a lesser extent, SAT verbal score. All other variables proved to be non-significant factors. |
