Radiology Quiz 1 module 1

Infection Prevention

Protocols used in dentistry to minimize the potential for disease transmission.

Pathogen

A microorganism capable of causing disease.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing and devices that reduce the risk of exposure to infectious materials.

Sterilization

The process that kills all microorganisms, including spores.

Disinfection

The process that reduces the number of microorganisms, but may not kill all spores.

Bloodborne Pathogen

Pathogens that are transmitted through blood.

Exposure Incident

Contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

High-level Disinfectants

Chemical agents used to disinfect heat-sensitive semicritical dental instruments.

Lead Apron

A protective garment worn to shield the body from x-ray exposure.

Asepsis

The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

Antiseptic

A substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

Susceptible Host

An individual who may become infected due to weakened immune defenses.

Standard Precautions

A set of infection prevention practices to protect against infectious diseases.

Indirect Contact Transmission

Transmission of pathogens from contaminated objects or instruments.

Direct Contact Transmission

Transmission of pathogens through direct physical contact.

Environmental Surfaces

Surfaces in the dental care environment requiring disinfection and cleaning.

Dental Image

A photographic image produced on film by the passage of x-rays through teeth and supporting structures.

Importance of Dental Images

Essential for diagnostic purposes, enabling identification of many conditions that may otherwise go undetected.

Uses of Dental Images

Detection of diseases, confirming suspected diseases, assisting in localization of lesions, and comparison of follow-up images.

Benefits of Dental Images

Primary benefit is the detection of disease, assisting in identifying and preventing problems.

Duties of the Dental Radiographer

May include positioning and exposing x-ray films, processing films, educating patients, and maintaining equipment.

Knowledge Requirements for a Dental Radiographer

Understanding of radiation history, physics, biology, and familiarity with dental x-ray equipment and quality assurance.

Professional Goals of the Dental Radiographer

Include patient and operator protection, patient education, operator competence and efficiency, and production of quality images.

Radiation Protection

Practices followed to safeguard personnel and patients from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.

Dental X-ray Equipment

Machines and instruments used to produce and process dental x-rays.

Intraoral X-ray

X-ray films taken inside the mouth.

Extraoral X-ray

X-ray films taken outside of the mouth.

Receptor Holder

A device used to securely hold and align intraoral dental x-ray receptors.

Beam Alignment Device

An instrument that helps position the position-indicating device (PID) in relation to the tooth and receptor.

Collimating Device

A device used to restrict the size of the x-ray beam, limiting radiation exposure.

Panoramic Imaging

An extraoral imaging technique that captures the entire mouth in a single image.

Regulation of Dental X-ray Machines

Federal, state, and local governments have guidelines for manufacturing and usage standards.

Component Parts of X-ray Machine

Includes tubehead, extension arm, and control panel.

Disposable Styrofoam Bite Block

A type of receptor holder that is used for single patient use.

XCP/BAI Instruments

Common beam alignment devices used with traditional film or digital sensors.

Radiation Protection

Measures taken to protect patients and operators from excess radiation exposure during dental imaging.

Collimator

A device that restricts the size and shape of the x-ray beam to reduce patient exposure.

Filtration

The process of removing low-energy x-rays from the beam, which helps decrease radiation dose to the patient.

Total Filtration

The sum of inherent and added filtration in an x-ray machine; regulated to ensure safety at specified kilovolt peaks.

Kilovoltage Peak (kVp)

The maximum voltage applied to the x-ray tube, influencing the energy and penetrating power of the x-ray beam.

Exposure Factor Selection

Adjustments of kVp, milliamperage, and time settings to minimize radiation received by the patient.

Thyroid Collar

A flexible lead shield that protects the thyroid gland from scatter radiation during x-ray exposure.

Lead Apron

A protective garment that covers the patient's chest and lap to protect reproductive organs from scatter radiation.

Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD)

The maximum amount of radiation a person may be exposed to during a specific period, ensuring safety.

ALARA Concept

Stands for 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable', emphasizing the importance of minimizing radiation exposure.