DH 123 - Dental Radiography

1. Describe the atomic structure and ionization process in the production of X-radiation.
   1. Recall the highlights in the history contributing to the development of radiology
   2. Describe the fundamental concepts of radiation physics
   3. Compare and contrast radiation and radioactivity
   4. Explain the theory of ionization in layman's terms.
   5. List the characteristics of particulate and electromagnetic radiation and give examples of each
   6. Identify the component parts of the x-ray machine, x-ray tubehead, and dental x-ray tube
   7. Describe in detail how dental x-rays are produced
   8. Compare and contrast general radiation and characteristic radiation 
   9. Describe the four basic types of interaction between x-radiation and matter
2. Explain how aspects of the x-ray beam are influenced by exposure factors.
   1. Describe the effect that the kilovoltage has on the quality of the x-ray beam and identify the range of kilovoltage required for dental imaging
   2. Describe how kilovoltage affects the density and contrast of the image
   3. Describe how milliamperage influences the quantity of the x-ray beam and identify the range of milliamperage required for dental imaging
   4. Describe how milliamperage affects the density of the image and how exposure time and milliamperage are related
   5. Describe how kilovoltage, milliamperage, exposure time, and source-to-receptor distance influence the intensity using the inverse square law
   6. Calculate an example of radiation intensity using the inverse square law
   7. Explain how the half-value layer determines the penetrating quality of the x-ray beam
   8. Define key terms associated with film image characteristics
   9. List the factors that influence density and contrast
   10. Differentiate between radiolucent and radiopaque areas on a dental image
   11. Identify images of high contrast, low contrast, no contrast, short-scale contrast, and long-scale contrast
   12. Describe a stepwedge and explain its function
   13. Describe how the focal spot size, film composition and movement contribute to penumbra
   14. Compare and contrast the terms magnification and distortion
   15. List the factors that influence magnification and distortion
   16. Detail the importance of operator competence in the dental radiographic procedures
3. Demonstrate knowledge needed to produce conventional dental images.
   1. Compare and contrast manual and automatic film processing
   2. Describe film processing errors resulting from time, temperature, chemical contamination, film handling, and lighting
   3. Describe the various tests used to check the quality of film, darkroom, automatic processor, developer and fixer
   4. Discuss the basic elements of a quality administration program
4. Describe the need to protect the operator and the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure due to damaging biological effects.
   1. Classify the various body tissues as to their radiosensitivity.
   2. Describe the sequence of radiation injury and list the determining factors for radiation injury.
   3. Describe the effects of radiation exposure on cells, tissues, and organs.
   4. Discuss the short-term and long-term effects as well as the somatic and genetic effects of radiation exposure
   5. Define the units of measurement used in radiation exposure
   6. Discuss dental radiation and exposure risks
   7. Discuss with the dental patient the risk versus benefit of dental images   
   8. Describe in detail the basics of patient protection before x-ray exposure
   9. Discuss the different types of filtration, and state the recommended total filtration for dental x-ray machines operating above and below 70kv
   10. Describe the collimator used in dental x-ray machines and state the recommended diameter of the useful beam at the patient’s skin
   11. Demonstrate ways to protect the patient from excessive radiation during x-ray exposure
   12. Describe the importance of receptor handling and processing after patient exposure to x-radiation
   13. Discuss operator protection in terms of adequate distance, shielding and avoidance of the useful beam
   14. Describe personnel and equipment monitoring devices used to detect radiation
   15. Discuss radiation exposure guidelines, including radiation safety legislation, maximum permissible dose (MPD), and the ALARA concept
   16. Discuss with the dental patient radiation protection steps used before, during and after exposure to x-radiation
   17. Detail the equipment and patient preparation necessary before exposure to x-radiation using extraoral and three-dimensional digital imaging
   18. Identify advantages and disadvantages of three-dimensional imaging
5. Demonstrate dental image interpretation utilizing appropriate descriptive terminology
   1. Define key terms associated with interpreting images
   2. Describe who is able to interpret images by defining the roles of the dentist and the dental auxiliary in the interpretation of dental images
   3. Compare and contrast the terms interpretation and diagnosis
   4. Describe how interpretation of dental images is documented
   5. Describe how interpretation can be used to educate the dental patient about the importance and use of dental images
   6. Identify and describe radiopaque and radiolucent lesions on a dental image
   7. Identify and describe restorations on a dental image
   8. Identify and describe foreign objects
   9. Discuss factors that may influence the dental image interpretation of dental caries
   10. Explain the classification of caries on dental images
   11. Identify and describe the appearance of caries on a dental image
   12. Identify conditions that may be confused with dental caries including cervical burnout, restorative materials, attrition, and abrasion
   13. Compare the film type and film contrast needed to interpret caries and periodontal disease
   14. Identify examples of horizontal and vertical bone loss on dental images
   15. Identify examples of localized and generalized bone loss on dental images
   16. Describe the corresponding appearance of the American Dental Association (ADA) periodontal case types on dental images
6. Identify the various extraoral images.
   1. Define the key terms associated with extraoral imaging
   2. Describe the purpose and uses of extraoral imaging
   3. Describe the head position, the receptor placement, and beam alignment for the various extraoral images