DNHY 1118 - Dental Radiography Theory

Credit Hours: 2.00

Objectives:

1. List five uses of dental radiographs.
2. List other imaging modalities available in dentistry.
3. Identify the individual who discovered X-rays.
4. Identify the individual who discovered dental X-rays.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to summarize the components of an X-ray machine.

Objectives:

1. List the parts of the X-ray head.
2. List the elements of the X-ray tube.
3. Define filtration.
4. Define collimation.
5. Summarize the various types of position indicating devices.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to summarize how X-rays are produced.

Objectives:

1. Explain the purpose of the step-down transformer.
2. Explain the purpose of the step-up transformer.
3. Explain controlling factors considered during X-ray exposure.
4. Explain the high-voltage potential.
5. Explain the thermionic-emission effect.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to summarize radiation safety protocols.

Objectives:

1. List common X-ray monitoring devices used in dentistry.
2. List methods of patient radiation protection.
3. List methods of clinician radiation protection.
4. List agencies responsible for regulations of hazardous disposal of X-ray products.
5. List factors that determine radiation injuries.
6. List the sequence of events following radiation exposure.
7. Define radio sensitivity and radio resistance.
8. Define ALARA.
9. Interpret the impact of the direct and indirect theories of biological damage.
10. Identify radio sensitive cells of the body.
11. Identify radio resistance cells of the body.
12. Identify critical tissues of the head and neck.
13. Compare the somatic and genetic effects of radiation.
14. Compare threshold and non-threshold dose response curves.
15. Identify deterministic and stochastic effects of radiation.
16. Explain the short- and long-term effects of irradiation.
17. Explain the risks and benefits of dental radiographs.
18. Explain the maximum permissible dose (MPD) for radiation workers.
19. Explain the maximum permissible dose (MPD) for the general public.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the fundamental systems of digital radiography.

Objectives:

1. List types of digital image receptors.
2. Explain how digital imaging software can alter X-ray images.
3. Explain the purpose for scanning and clearing phosphor plates.
4. Explain the process for digitizing radiographs using a scanner.
5. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of digital radiography.
6. Explain direct and indirect digital imaging.
7. Explain proper receptor storage.

Outcome 6: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain intra- and extraoral radiographic techniques.

Objectives:

1. List the anatomical points of entry for specific radiographs.
2. List the three primary purposes of bitewings.
3. Explain what errors result from incorrect vertical angulation.
4. Explain what errors result from incorrect horizontal angulation.
5. Explain errors resulting from incorrect patient placement in the panoramic machine.
6. Explain common exposure errors.
7. Explain common processing errors.
8. Explain differences among periapical, bitewing, occlusal, and panoramic images.
9. Explain the purpose of vertical bitewings.

Outcome 7: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the types of dental film.

Objectives:

1. List the five basic sizes of intraoral film.
2. List components of an intraoral film packet.
3. List components of an extraoral film packet.
4. List components of an automatic film processor.
5. List steps in processing dental films.
6. List chemicals in the processing solutions.
7. List the equipment needed for manual processing.
8. Compare the two types of extraoral films.
9. Explain the purpose of intensifying screens.
10. Explain the purpose of emulsion.
11. Explain film speed.
12. Explain proper storage of dental film.
13. Explain features and requirements of a darkroom.
14. Explain film handling errors during processing.
15. Explain the process for duplicating radiographs.

Outcome 8: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to summarize the common extraoral radiographic images.

Objectives:

1. Explain similarities and differences of common extraoral radiographs.
2. Identify a panoramic image.
3. Identify a Waters View image.
4. Identify a lateral jaw image.
5. Identify a reverse Towne image.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. History of Dental Radiography
2. X-Ray Machine & Components
3. Radiation Safety - Biological Damage
4. Radiation Safety - Safety Protocol
5. Radiography Techniques - Paralleling
6. Radiography Techniques - Bisecting Angle
7. Dental Imaging Receptors
8. Film Processing (Midterm)
9. Obtaining Quality Radiographs - Input
10. Obtaining Quality Radiographs - Quality Assurance
11. Fundamentals of Radiography - Infection Control
12. Fundamentals of Radiography - Federal & State Regulations
13. Extraoral Imaging
14. Occlusal Imaging
15. Normal Radiographic Anatomy; Dental Caries
16. Periodontal Disease