Simulation-Based Training in Dental Radiography: The Impact of Qbion Software on Learning Outcomes for Dentistry Students.

introductionEnhancing the quality of radiographic imaging is crucial for minimising patient exposure to ionising radiation resulting from repeated X-rays. Addressing technical errors during patient positioning is vital for obtaining accurate extraoral radiographs. Radiological simulation offers dentistry students a unique opportunity to refine their skills and gain experience in taking intraoral and extraoral X-rays without ionising radiation. MATERIALS AND

methodsA survey was conducted among 98 dental students. Half of them comprised the control group which had taken a course in radiography, and the other 50% were the study group who additionally underwent Qbion training. Respondents answered 13 single- and multiple-choice questions concerning one correct and 12 panoramic radiographs with one, two or three positioning errors. The students were asked to identify the reason for the occurrence of a technical error. The results were analysed descriptively.

resultsA correctly taken panoramic X-ray was recognised by 79 students (80.6%). Among them, 44 students (55.7%) used the Qbion software. The most commonly identified error was asymmetrical patient positioning, identified by 78 of 98 respondents (79.6%)-43 (55.1%) in the study group and 35 (44.9%) in the control group. The most difficult question concerning the too forward position of the patient was correctly answered only by 34 students. DISCUSSION: Students utilising Qbion software demonstrated a higher accuracy in answering questions related to radiographic errors, indicating the software's effectiveness in enhancing practical skills. The analysis of multiple-choice questions showed that the higher the degree of difficulty, the lower the percentage of correct answers.

conclusionsThe results suggest that integrating radiological simulation tools, like Qbion, significantly improves learning outcomes for students. However, further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings.