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Session 2 - Endodontic Competency (Tablet Grading Workflow)

Date: March 03, 2026 Presenter: Tom Wirtz

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Session Summary — Endodontic Competency (Tablet Grading Workflow)

This session focused on the endo competency exam process, specifically how it is executed, graded, and supported technically (X-ray + tablet grading system).

Core Purpose of the Session

To walk through:

  • How the endo competency exams are structured
  • How grading is performed via the tablet/X-ray system
  • What technical and operational checks are required before execution

Assessment Structure

Nature of the Competency:

  • Students perform a simulated procedure on a tooth (mannequin-based).
  • Work is completed within a 2–3 hour window.

  • Output includes:

  • Physical tooth (submitted anonymously)

  • Associated X-rays (digitally captured)

Grading Model:

  • Grading is post-execution, not live.
  • Typically performed by a single evaluator (Dr. Ibram).
  • Uses a web-based grading interface tied to student IDs.

Key Workflow Elements

1. Anonymized Submission

  • Students submit work using ID-based tracking (last 4 digits).
  • Prevents grader bias.

2. X-Ray Integration

  • Multiple X-rays captured per student.
  • System supports selection of relevant X-rays per grading category.
  • Exact requirements (e.g., 3 vs 5 X-rays) must be confirmed each year.

3. Tablet Grading System

  • Grader enters student ID → pulls up grading interface.
  • Scores entered across defined categories.
  • Backed by a URL-driven system tied to exam instance IDs.

Grading Model (Important Nuance)

Although the syllabus defines multiple components:

  • Pre-op radiograph
  • Rubber dam
  • Access opening
  • Cleaning & shaping
  • Obturation

Actual practice (recent years):

  • Only core procedural elements are graded
  • Some components are effectively auto-scored (full credit)

➡️ This creates a disconnect between documented rubric and applied grading logic.

Key Risks & Constraints

1. ID Collision Risk

  • System depends on last 4 digits of student IDs being unique.
  • Must be validated ahead of time (critical pre-check).

2. Process Variability

  • Execution details change year-to-year:

  • Whether steps are validated live vs post-process

  • Which X-rays are required
  • Requires direct confirmation with faculty each cycle.

3. Operational Fragility

  • High-stress exam environment:

  • Any technical issue (X-ray system, login delays, etc.) → immediate student impact

  • System must be fully validated prior to exam day.

Architectural Insight (Your Domain)

This system reveals a different—but related—pattern from the OSCI session:

The workflow is operationally functional but loosely coupled and highly person-dependent.

What exists:

  • Tablet grading system (functional but implicit)
  • D2L (reference only, not integrated)
  • Django-backed student data
  • Manual coordination with faculty

What is missing:

  • A formalized, versioned assessment contract

  • (rubric, X-ray requirements, grading rules)

  • A pre-flight validation pipeline
  • A clear system boundary between configuration vs execution

Closing Position of the Session

  • No major issues currently blocking execution.

  • Emphasis is on:

  • Preparation and validation

  • Confirming assumptions with faculty

  • You indicated:

  • This area is under control

  • Priority should shift toward OSCI (higher complexity/problem space)

One-Line Takeaway

The endo competency system works, but it is procedurally brittle and dependent on implicit knowledge, requiring disciplined pre-validation rather than architectural overhaul.