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The purpose of this study was to compare three direct digital sensors (Kodak 6100 [Rochester, NY], Schick CDR [Long Island City, NY], and Dexis PerfectSize [Alpharetta, GA]), a phosphor plate system (OpTime; Milwaukee, WI), and F-speed film to standard D-speed film in the detection of artificial bone lesions prepared in mandible bone sections. Artificial bone lesions were prepared at varying depths in the cortical bone. Radiographs were randomly presented to nine different observers. Logistic regression analysis indicated significant differences in lesion detection among the radiographic systems at the mean percentage of cortical bone remaining. The Kodak filtered, Schick filtered, OpTime unfiltered, Schick unfiltered, and Dexis filtered images were significantly better at lesion detection compared with D-speed film.

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Objectives In January 2014 implementation of the Medicaid expansion of the Affordable Care Act (EACA) in Oregon increased the number of children and adults qualifying for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Simultaneously, dental care benefits for adult Medicaid members were restored in Oregon after a period of noncoverage. This study evaluated the impact of these changes on the receipt of endodontic services in the Graduate Endodontic Clinic (GEC) at Oregon Health & Science University. Methods A retrospective electronic health records (EHRs) database review was conducted from July 2010 through June 2017, a seven‐year period covering 3.5 years before (pre–EACA) and 3.5 years after (post–EACA) implementation of EACA. The number of completed anterior, premolar and molar non‐surgical root canal therapies (NS‐RCT) was retrieved from de‐identified EHRs by targeting dental codes. Pre– and post–EACA frequencies were compared and analyzed by patient age [<21 years (children) versus adults], payer mix [OHP versus non‐Medicaid (self‐pay and private insurance)], and tooth type (anterior, premolar and molar) using Chi‐square tests (P < 0.05). Results The number of procedures provided for patients covered by OHP post–EACA compared to pre–EACA was increased by 363 percent. There was an 18 percent decline in NS‐RCT provided for non‐OHP patients (P < 0.0001). Post–EACA increases in frequency applied to anterior, premolar, and molar NS‐RCT (P < 0.0001), with the greatest increase in frequency post–EACA occurring for premolar NS‐RCT procedures (666 percent). Conclusions By eliminating barriers to care greater numbers of vulnerable people in Oregon sought and received endodontic services at the GEC.