DRC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3

Question 1

Which statistical measure indicates the proportion of true-positive results among all patients who actually have the disease in a radiographic diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

Sensitivity

Answer

Sensitivity measures the ability of a test to correctly identify those who have the disease (true-positive rate).

Question 2

A dental hygiene researcher wants to compare caries detection rates on periapical films versus CBCT in patients aged 18–65. What is the MOST appropriate study design?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

An RCT with random assignment to imaging modality provides the highest-level evidence for comparing two diagnostic interventions.

Question 3

Inter-rater reliability in radiographic interpretation studies is BEST measured by:

Accepted Answer

Cohen's kappa statistic

Answer

Cohen's kappa statistic measures the level of agreement between two raters beyond what would be expected by chance.

Question 4

In evidence-based dental radiology, a Level I evidence source would MOST likely be a:

Accepted Answer

Systematic review or meta-analysis of RCTs

Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of well-designed RCTs represent the highest level (Level I) of evidence in most hierarchies.

Question 5

A study reports an odds ratio (OR) of 1.0 for caries development between annual and biennial bitewing schedules. This result MOST accurately means:

Accepted Answer

There is no difference in odds of caries between the two schedules

Answer

An OR of 1.0 indicates equal odds in both groups, meaning no association was detected between radiograph frequency and caries development.

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

DRC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3