10-508-103Dental Radiography
Course Information
Description
Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate radiographic equipment and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal images. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also produce, mount, and evaluate dental images for diagnostic value. This course also provides the background in radiographic theory required for students to make informed decisions and adjustments.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Illustrate how dental imaging technology has progressed since its first use to the ways in which it is used in providing dental health care today
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written or graphic assessment highlighting the history of dental imaging
    Criteria
    assessment includes uses, discovery, pioneers, and history of equipment and techniques
    assessment is accurate
    assessment exhibits correct use of terminology
    assessment is neat, well organized, legible (if appropriate), and reflects correct use of Standard English

  2. Explain how the process of exposing dental images works
    Assessment Strategies
    by labeling a diagram or identifying parts of an x-ray tube using proper terminology
    by presenting a written, oral, or graphic explanation of how the process of exposing images works
    by responding to scenarios presenting clinical decisions related to the process of exposing images
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    identify the parts accurately
    explanation includes an accurate representation of the characteristics of x-rays
    explanation includes an accurate representation of the basic physics of dental imaging
    explanation includes an accurate representation of the biological effects of radiation that occurs during the process of exposing images in the dental healthcare environment
    responses to questions about the process of exposing images are accurate and complete

  3. Apply principles of radiation safety to patient and operator
    Assessment Strategies
    by preparing to expose images on a manikin in a laboratory setting
    by responding to scenarios presenting clinical decisions related to image exposure
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    check the integrity of the lead apron
    obtain the proper prescription for dental images for patient
    select safe exposure factors for the patient
    utilize techniques that will protect the patient from excess exposure
    precautions are implemented for pregnant patients or staff
    place PID at safe distance from face
    stand at least six feet away from the x-ray unit and perpendicular to the primary ray
    incorporate ALARA for radiographic exposures

  4. Operate the x-ray equipment
    Assessment Strategies
    in the completion of a role-play on the operation of the x-ray unit and assembling various image receptor holding devices
    Criteria
    identify each step as you perform it as if you are explaining the process to a patient
    position yourself and role-play partner correctly
    perform all critical steps in the right order
    anticipate procedural steps
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  5. Select the image receptor for an image
    Assessment Strategies
    by responding to scenarios that require you to select the appropriate image receptor for a variety of situations
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    identify the image receptor you would select for each of the scenarios
    explain why the image receptor type and size is correct for the given situation
    explain the possible consequences of selecting the wrong image receptor

  6. Produce images of diagnostic quality
    Assessment Strategies
    in a laboratory setting using dental imaging equipment to produce images of diagnostic quality
    by submitting images for evaluation
    Criteria
    check that equipment is prepared and ready for use
    verbalize the processes you perform; identifying the parts, necessary materials, and functions of the dental imaging equipment
    errors are corrected and recorded
    image meets standards of diagnostic quality

  7. Manage patients during the imaging process
    Assessment Strategies
    working with a peer or patient
    using the patient management forms provided in the laboratory/clinical setting
    Criteria
    review health history, checking for contraindications
    act courteous, positive, and gentle
    explain the procedure to the patient, accurately answering questions
    answer patient's safety questions or concerns based on factual, scientific data
    modify procedure to ensure patient comfort throughout the imaging process
    compensate for gag reflexes
    expose images of diagnostic quality

  8. Use proper infection control procedures while producing images
    Assessment Strategies
    by using infection control techniques prior to exposure, during exposure, and following exposure on a manikin, peer or patient in a laboratory setting
    Criteria
    employ proper infection control techniques prior to exposure
    employ proper infection control techniques during image receptor exposure
    employ proper infection control techniques following exposure
    employ proper infection control techniques during processing
    do not use references

  9. Expose bitewing images
    Assessment Strategies
    by exposing images on a manikin, a peer, or patient in a laboratory setting
    by submitting images
    Criteria
    check the prescription before exposure
    record exposure accurately
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and your patient correctly
    perform all critical steps in the correct order
    employ radiation safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  10. Expose periapicals using the paralleling technique
    Assessment Strategies
    by exposing images on a manikin, a peer, or a patient in a laboratory setting
    by submitting images
    Criteria
    check the prescription before exposure
    record exposure accurately
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and your patient correctly
    perform all critical steps in the correct order
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  11. Expose periapicals and occlusals using the bisecting angle technique
    Assessment Strategies
    by exposing images on a manikin, a peer, or a patient in a laboratory setting
    by exposing an occlusal image on a manikin or role-play patient in a laboratory setting
    by submitting images
    Criteria
    check the prescription before exposure
    record exposure accurately
    select the correct armamentarium
    position yourself and your patient correctly
    perform all critical steps in the correct order
    employ safety precautions
    utilize infection control protocol
    wear personal protective equipment

  12. Illustrate how extraoral images integrate with the use of intraoral images in dentistry
    Assessment Strategies
    by comparing panoramic, extraoral and three-dimensional digital imaging
    working with a group of your peers
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    identify all types of extraoral images
    compare similarities and differences of each technique
    compare equipment needed for each technique
    compare the advantages and disadvantages for each technique
    presentation neat, well organized and reflect correct use of Standard English language

  13. Mount images using anatomical landmarks
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting correctly mounted images
    by demonstrating optimal viewing conditions
    in the lab using given materials and equipment
    Criteria
    demonstrate methods for mounting
    images are mounted at the appropriate point in the process
    images are mounted using the recommended method
    image integrity is maintained throughout this process
    images are labeled accurately and according to required standards
    demonstrate optimal viewing conditions and explain the importance of these conditions

  14. Evaluate images for diagnostic value
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a checklist of dental imaging evaluation on a manikin or patient
    in a skill demonstration in a clinical/laboratory setting
    Criteria
    checklist includes all critical errors in the information or process
    checklist includes positioning, exposure errors, processing errors
    checklist includes recommendations for correcting the identified errors
    checklist includes an analysis of the effect of the errors on the diagnostic value

  15. Interpret dental imaging findings
    Assessment Strategies
    by interpreting images
    without the use of references
    Criteria
    identify normal anatomy
    identify dental caries
    identify periodontal disease
    identify traumatic injuries
    identify periodontal lesions