Determination of Dental Age Using Pediatric Panoramic Radiographs by Fifth-Year Dental Students Before and After Training: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim Dental age is a parameter frequently used by dentists as a potential determinant of skeletal maturation. When creating endodontic, orthodontic, restorative or surgical treatment plans in pediatric patient groups, age is also taken into consideration in addition to dental status. The aim of this study is to increase the awareness and knowledge level of dentistry students in both knowing the developmental stages of teeth and in the accurate estimation of dental age determination. Material and method In this study, panoramic radiographs of 35 patients between the ages of 4-13 were evaluated. Dental ages of the images were calculated and recorded by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist using Demirjian and William calculation methods. Fifth grade students were informed about the study and 35 students who agreed to participate voluntarily were asked to estimate dental age using their existing knowledge. After the presentation, which included specific examples on this subject, the students were asked to repeat their dental age estimates. Results No statistical difference was found between the dental age estimates made by the students before and after the training and the dental ages determined and recorded at the beginning (p>0.05). However, it was determined that the error margin in dental age estimation of students after the training was statistically lower (p=0.016). Conclusion As a result, the knowledge level of the students in the study group on the subject increased and awareness was created. It was also seen that the education given with case examples was more effective.