Interobserver Reliability in the Diagnosis of Pulpal and Periradicular Disease

The purpose of this study was evaluate the interobserver reliability of endodontists in the diagnosis the presence or absence of pulpal and/or periradicular disease. The study used 47 patients presenting to the VCU School of Dentistry for screening appointments as a test population under the rules and regulations of the VCU IRB. The patients were examined separately by two endodontists, using a thorough patient history, clinical exam, and radiographs. The answer to the question was then answered, does the patient have pulpal and/or periradicular disease, and compared. The data was analyzed using Kappa and the standard error was determined to test for statistical significance. Observers agreed 88% of the time with a Kappa of 0.74. This was determined to represent a bona fide reliability with p<.0001. The results indicate that agreement among endodontists is very good when patients are evaluated for pulpal and/or periradicular disease.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Endodontics

Year dc:date.available

2005

Author dc:creator

• Mellin, Todd Peter

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. James R. Lance

• observer variability
• Dentistry
• Endodontics and Endodontology
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/722

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1721