Quality Assurance in the Dental Office

Unit 15

Quality assurance

refers to special procedures that are used to ensure the production of high-quality diagnostic images

What is the purpose of quality assurance

To introduce the dental radiographer to quality control tests that are used to monitor dental x-ray
equipment, supplies, and film processing

What is the purpose of quality control tests 

Specific tests that are used to maintain and monitor
• Dental x-ray equipment
• Supplies
• Film processing
• Digital imaging equipment

Dental X-ray machines quality assurance test 

All dental X-ray machines must be inspected and monitored periodically
Must be calibrated at regular intervals
Annual tests are recommended for dental x-ray machines

What is the quality assurance test for x-ray films

Fresh film test
Unwrap one unexposed film from a newly opened box
Use fresh chemicals to process the unexposed film

What will the results of the quality assurance test be for fresh films

the processed film appears clear with a slight blue tint

What will the results of the quality assurance test be for fogged films

the processed film is fogged and may be expired, improperly stored, or exposed to radiation

What is the quality assurance test for screens

Extraoral intensifying screens should be examined for dirt or scratches
Screens should be cleaned monthly

What is the quality assurance test for cassette holders 

examine for worn closure, light leaks, and warping 

What is the film-screen contact test

• Insert the film in the cassette holder
• Place a wire mesh test object on top of the loaded cassette
• Position PID with a 40-inch target-film distance
• Expose the film using 10 mA, 70 kVp, and 15 impulses
• Process the exposed film
• View the film on a viewbox in a dimly lit room at a distance of 6 feet

What is a viewbox

a light source used to view processed films

What is the quality assurance test for dark rooms 

Darkroom must be checked for light-tightness every month and for proper safelighting every 6 months

What is the quality assurance test for safelighting

• Prepare darkroom
• Prepare film
• Place a coin on an unwrapped, unexposed film
• Turn on the safelight for 3 to 4 minutes
• Remove the coin and process the film

if there is no visible image seen on processed dental image then there is proper safelight