Is there a justification of conducting clinical audit in the endodontic treatment outcomes?

J Conserv Dent. 2020 Sep-Oct;23(5):518-521. doi: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_220_19. Epub 2021 Feb 10.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the role of clinical audit in improving endodontic treatment outcomes.

Materials and methods: An audit at the department of endodontics at dental specialty centre kingdom of Saudi Arabia was carried out. The audit was conducted by developing endodontics treatment and success predictors based on evidence, that can be measured for endodontic care. A total of 12 months' data was examined from the previous dental records. Ten clinical cards were which included root canal treatment were selected. The audit was carried out for a minimum of 50 teeth and a maximum of 200 teeth. The radiographs of record cards were studied and a single dentist completed the audit tool.

Results: The vitality test was performed in 1.98% cases, intra-canal medicament was used and named in 3.96% cases, 3.96% the teeth were extracted due to endodontic failure. Further, in 6.93% of the cases that were identified had certain spaces but overall root canal filling was evaluated as satisfactory.

Conclusion: The vitality test, type of intracanal medicament, and assessment of root canal filling were not done, but there was an overall performance of predictors for endodontic treatment.

Keywords: Clinical audit; endodontics; quality; treatment outcomes.