FDs' competence

Sir, a survey was sent to foundation dentists (FDs) across South Yorkshire on endodontic working length determination (EWLD). Despite only recently graduating, 41% of the 29 FDs in the survey had already changed their approach to WLD; 31% always obtained a working length radiograph, while 69% always obtained a master GP radiograph.

Despite electronic apex locators (EAL) being considered by many to be an essential part of the modern endodontic armamentarium, providing greater accuracies, only 21 foundation dentists always used one.¹ Factors limiting EAL performance include the type and amount of irrigant,² file size³ and apical foramen size.⁴ Respondents indicated a lack of awareness regarding these factors: 34.5% were not aware of the influence of file size; 44.8% did not understand the influence of the type and amount of irrigant; and 55.2% were not aware of how apical foramen size can affect EAL performance.

Mixed responses concerned how the FDs portrayed their experiences regarding teaching/training on how to use EALs. Thirteen (44.8%) considered their education as average, ten (34.5%) above average, four (13.8%) below average and just two (6.9%) as excellent. In support of the above results, a large majority (79.3%) felt further teaching on EAL use would be very beneficial; 17.2% of limited benefit; 3.4% of no benefit.

It appears that FDs would embrace further education on the general topic of EWLD, with the majority (79.3%) finding this proposition very beneficial and the remaining 20.7% suggesting additional teaching to be of limited benefit. My results highlight that FDs clearly appreciate the deficiencies in their knowledge and appear open to the idea of additional endodontic teaching. However, we must pinpoint why many (58.6%) regarded their previous teaching/training as average or below average. In doing so we can prevent recurrence, guaranteeing both a better use of resources and maximising the learning potential for our young dental professionals.