Diagnostic skills in radiographic interpretation among dental students

Becerra-Atoche E.G.; Herrera-Plasencia P.M. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Dental training requires students to develop solid diagnostic skills for interpreting radiographic images, which is essential in clinical practice and therapeutic decision-making. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on diagnostic skills in radiographic interpretation among dental students. Methods: A systematic exploratory review in education was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus databases, and Google Scholar, covering articles published between 2021 and 2025. Boolean operators were used for the search strategy. Original studies in English that evaluated knowledge, skills, or competencies for interpreting dental radiographs in dental students were included. The selection was performed blindly and independently by two researchers. Of the 472 identified, 13 articles were selected. Results: Radiographic diagnostic skills in dental students are in the process of consolidation. Active methodologies, structured feedback, and the use of digital tools improve diagnostic accuracy and motivation. Artificial intelligence and guided observation promote visual systematicity and clinical decision-making. Supervised practice and technological integration strengthen more applied learning oriented toward skills development. Conclusions: Radiographic skills for diagnostic interpretation in dental students are in the process of development. Active and technological strategies, together with immediate feedback and guided practice, progressively strengthen diagnostic accuracy.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo