[Evaluation of the performance of undergraduate students in obtaining radiographs using the bisecting technique,...

This paper shows the results obtained when two methods for teaching intrabucal periapical technique were fested. During 1986, the 3rd term students applied the suggested table for vertical angulation when taking periapical radiographs; in 1987, during 5th term, the same students used the bisecting-angle technique for the intrabucal radiographs. The comparison of both teaching methods lead to the following conclusions: The most frequent errors observed were due to technique, followed by incorrect film processing; Inadequate vertical angulation was observed mainly when the suggested tables were used; this error was reduced when bisecting-angle technique was used. errors in film mounting were negligible. The standardization of dark room procedures as well as the utilization of time-temperature method after an adequate X-ray exposure of the films were certainly responsible for the small number of errors due to film processing.