Tomada de decisão de estudantes frente a um case scenario de Endodontia

This cross-sectional study evaluates the decision-making process of students in the 4th and 5th years of the Dentistry course of a public university in the Northeast region, facing a case scenario of Endodontics. The sample consisted of 80 students, who, in view of the described scenario and radiographic image presented, answered a questionnaire about the probable reason for rarefaction, clinical conduct and decision making. For data analysis, absolute distributions, uni, and bivariate percentages were obtained. The majority of respondents were female (55.0%). Analyzing the probable cause of periapical rarefaction, 43.8% of respondents believe that it is due to the apical limit of obturation. Anamnesis, clinical examination, and radiography were mentioned by 95% of the students as the means indicated for the treatment decision-making in the case presented. The majority (60%) decided for endodontic retreatment using intracanal medication. It is concluded that the students consider the undesirable apical limit of obturation as a reason for apical rarefaction; that anamnesis, clinical examination, radiographic examination are indicated for decision making and have chosen endodontic retreatment. The students of the 5th year, with more clinical experience than those of the 4th, presented a more conservative therapeutic decision.