Chabot College
Fall 2001
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 74B
DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY II
Catalog Description:
74B - Dental Radiography II
1.5 units
Continuation of clinical experience in exposing films, group and individualized criticism of mounted films;
principles of Panographic radiology; special patient needs; occlusal and pedodontic surveys; emphasis on
radiographic interpretative skills. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 74A (completed with a grade of C or
higher). 0.5 hour lecture, 3 hours clinical.
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
1.
communicate the development of radiography in dentistry and its current application in the
modern dental office;
2.
identify the relationship of radiology with diagnosis, treatment planning, and other phases of
dental practice;
3.
demonstrate knowledge of:
a.
characteristics and properties of x-radiation;
b.
the factors and circumstances necessary for x-ray production;
4.
distinguish the primary components of a simplified x-ray unit and how they function to affect the
x-ray beam;
5.
analyze density, contrast, and definition as they relate to image quality;
6.
communicate compensating techniques for changes in exposure factors that affect density,
contrast, and definition;
7.
assess the biological effect of any dose of radiation, recognize x-radiation units, and define the
following terms:
a.
ionization;
b.
Roentgen;
c.
rad;
d.
exposure;
e.
Dose;
f.
Rem;
g.
Curie;
h.
Gray;
i.
Sievert;
8.
apply the principles of radiological health and be conversant about basic principles of radiation
protection, inclusive of radiographic selection criteria;
9.
identify currently-acceptable methods for reducing x-radiation exposure of the patient and
occupationally-exposed dental office personnel;
10.
analyze the critical organ concept and communicate the rationale of the maximum permissible
dose (MPD) limits;
11.
assess somatic, genetic, and carcinogenic effects of radiation exposure;
12.
demonstrate monitoring personnel and maintaining records for exposure to radiation;
13.
identify the guidelines for structural shielding, barriers and materials, location of equipment;
14.
communicate the procedure for reporting an overexposure incident;
15.
apply geometric principles for accurate image formation, analyzing and interpreting factors
causing distortion;
16.
demonstrate appropriate intraoral radiographic techniques in film placement, PID angulation and
selection of exposure factors;
17.
produce full mouth radiographic surveys for adult dentulous patients presenting simple
management problems;
18.
identify and demonstrate the protocol for disinfection of equipment and aseptic technique;
19.
communicate the criteria as it relates to patient selection, appropriate survey options, film
selection and supervision protocol;
Chabot College
Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 74B, Page 2
Fall 2001
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analyze and compare interproximal and periapical surveys as they relate to:
a.
purpose and scope of examination;
b.
intraoral techniques; parallel vs. bisecting angle;
properly mount and label all radiographs;
evaluate all radiographs in terms of technical quality, accuracy and clinical acceptability;
evaluate all radiographic errors (technical and processing) and describe the best methods for
correcting them;
identify a variety of film sizes and their application;
identify the component parts of x-ray film and discuss latent image formation;
communicate purpose of double packet film utilization;
communicate the essential items of darkroom equipment;
communicate the rationale of daily tank and solution care and maintenance;
identify the mechanical components and operation of automatic processors;
communicate the relationship between latent image formation and processing procedures;
demonstrate film processing procedures, including infection control protocols;
identify principal chemical components of processing solutions, and describe functions of each
component on exposed and unexposed portions of the film;
identify major types of processing errors and identify potential cause and appropriate remedy;
analyze the essential differences between hand and automatic film processing, and communicate
advantages and disadvantages of each;
identify procedures, tests, and records necessary to maintain an effective radiographic quality
assurance program;
demonstrate the proper viewing environment and list various viewing aids;
analyze radiolucencies versus radiopacities as they relate to interpretation skills;
demonstrate use of proper descriptive terminology;
recognize the normal radiographic appearance of developing and mature teeth and their
supporting tissues;
recognize the radiographic appearance of maxillary and mandibular anatomic landmarks;
identify dental caries and be familiar with common errors in interpretation;
recognize radiographic appearance of common temporary and permanent restorations made from
metallic, synthetic, and porcelain restorative materials, in addition to materials used as bases and
luting agents;
recognize common deficiencies in proximal restorations, including contour, overhanging and
deficient margins, broken restorations;
assess the limitations and benefits of radiographs in periodontal disease interpretation;
interpret radiographic changes associated with:
a.
crestal irregularities;
b.
bone loss: direction, location, amount;
c.
local irritants such as calculus and faulty restorations;
d.
malposition of teeth;
identify the following conditions radiographically:
a.
microdontia and macrodontia;
b.
germination, fusion and concrescence;
c.
anomalies in tooth structure;
d.
supernumerary roots;
e.
dilaceration;
f.
anodontia;
g.
supernumerary teeth;
h.
drift and migration;
i.
transposition;
j.
impaction;
k.
delayed eruption;
l.
tori;
m.
exostosis;
n.
attrition;
Chabot College
Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 74B, Page 3
Fall 2001
47.
48.
49.
50.
o.
abrasion / erosion;
p.
retained roots;
q.
foreign bodies;
respond to legal issues concerning dental radiographs;
communicate ethics and procedures concerning:
a.
ownership of radiographs;
b.
the patient right to access records;
c.
billing;
d.
loaning or transfer of records;
communicate a knowledge of the Consumer Radiation Health and Safety Act of
1981;
communicate state and federal regulations applicable to radiology.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
produce full mouth radiographic surveys for patients presenting moderate to difficult
management problems; obtain films of diagnostic value for a:
a.
pedodontic survey
b.
edentulous survey
c.
patient special needs
2.
analyze and communicate the principles of film duplication;
3.
demonstrate duplication of radiographic films;
4.
identify and describe extraoral film types, sizes and cassettes;
5.
demonstrate the use of a variety of film holding devices;
6.
identify the mechanical parts of the panographic x-ray equipment and the function and operation
of each;
7.
demonstrate appropriate panographic techniques in film handling, patient positioning and
selection of exposure factors;
8.
produce diagnostically acceptable panographic surveys on clinic patients;
9.
integrate and expand knowledge of anatomical landmarks to extraoral film surveys;
10.
identify and assess technical and processing errors as it relates to:
a.
intraoral films;
b.
extraoral films;
c.
duplication films;
11.
communicate and demonstrate proper record keeping as it relates to radiographic concerns.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Intraoral radiography techniques
Extraoral radiographic techniques
Alternative film holding devices
Anatomical Landmarks
Interpretive skills (diagnostic quality)
Mounting films
Duplicating film
The special patient needs
Patient records
Legal restrictions
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture / demonstration
Manufacturer’s manuals
Audiovisual aids including Dxttr II
Chabot College
Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 74B, Page 4
Fall 2001
4.
5.
6.
The X-ray clinic patient
Class discussion and self-evaluation
Group and individual evaluation of films
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments:
a.
Write a brief research essay on infection and engineering controls relevant to dental
radiology
b.
Research and collect data on the management and disposal of hazardous radiographic
waste as it applies to a local area where you intend to practice as an RDH
c.
Short answer essay on research conducted in a private practice addressing radiographic
practice techniques and equipment utilization
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Quizzes and exams including final exam
b.
Class participation
c.
Written and/or oral critiques of radiographic work
d.
Clinical performance
1)
patient management
2)
exposure, processing and mounting techniques
3)
clinic rotational participation
4)
clinical proficiencies
e.
Affective skills
Textbook(s)(Typical):
Dental Radiography for the Dental Assistant and Hygienist, Johnson, Appleton & Lange, 1999
Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, Esther Wilkins, Lippincott, 1999
Dental Hygiene Theory & Practice, Darby & Walsh, Harcourt & Brace Company, 1994
Special Student Materials:
Gloves
Masks
Safety Glasses
Protective clothing - clinical attire
Revised 12-1-00