Week 7 (Chapter 17) Quality assurance in the dental office

Dental Radiography Principles and Techniques 6thedition: Chapter 17 Meghan Tersigni, BSc, RDH, Cert. Adult Ed.

What is the primary goal of Quality Assurance in a dental setting?

To ensure the production of high-quality diagnostic images.

How does a clear understanding of quality control procedures benefit the radiographer and the client?

It helps avoid excess radiation exposure to clients and personnel.

Which of the following is an administrative procedure rather than a technical quality control test?

Assignment of duties

According to professional appearance guidelines, what is true about footwear in a dental clinic?

Shoes must be polished and worn with socks.

According to the HARP Act, which of the following is not a mandatory annual test for dental x-ray machines?

Darkroom light leak test

Dental x-ray mahcines must do except?

Calibrate the machine every 10 years

According to the guidelines, when should a box of dental x-ray films be checked for freshness?

Before the box of films is used for the first time

What is the correct first step in performing a Fresh Film Test?

Unwrap one unexposed film from a newly opened box

When processing the sample film for a freshness test, what must be used to ensure accurate results?

Fresh chemicals

A processed film appears clear with a slight blue tint. What does this result indicate?

The film is fresh and safe to use.

If the processed sample film appears 'fogged,' what is the recommended action for that box of films?

The box of films should not be used.

Which of the following is not a common reason for a film to become fogged?

Film from a newly opened box

How frequently should intensifying screens be cleaned?

Monthly

What test object is required to check for adequate film-screen contact?

A wire mesh test object

If a film-screen contact test reveals 'varying densities' on the processed film, what is the correct action?

Repair or replace the cassette.

How would the resultant image appear if not up to quality?

Appear fogged or blurred

Apply anti-static solution after cleaning Why??

Reduce risk of static electiricty artifact

How often should the plexiglass on a viewbox be cleaned?

Daily

Which of the following can make a dental image difficult to interpret?

Scratched plexiglass or dim bulbs

Darkroom is ?

Light tight

Can only check safelighting ______ light-tightness of the darkroom has been established

After

How often should a darkroom be checked for light-tightness?

Every month

What materials are recommended to fix a light leak found around a darkroom door?

Weather stripping or black tape

True or False: You can check the safelighting before ensuring the room is light-tight.

False

How often should safelighting be checked using the Coin Test?

Annually

What is the result of 'Improper Safelighting' on a processed test film?

An image of the coin and a fogged background appear.

How long should the safelight be turned on during the Coin Test?

3-4 minutes

How often should the temperature and solution levels of an automatic processor be monitored?

Daily

In a functioning processor, what should a film exposed to light look like after processing?

Black and dry

When preparing films for an automatic processor test, how many films are required and how should they be handled?

Two unexposed films; one is kept unexposed and the other is exposed to light.

What is the expected appearance of a film that was not exposed to light after it passes through a functioning processor?

Clear and dry

Solutions should be replenished _______ and changed every _________________

Daily, 3-4 weeks

What is the primary purpose of a Reference Radiograph in a dental office?

To compare the film densities of radiographs processed daily.

If the daily radiograph appears LIGHTER than the reference radiograph, what is the likely cause?

The developer solution is too weak or too cold.

To create an accurate Reference Radiograph, how should the film be processed?

Using fresh chemicals at the recommended time and temperature.

What should the dental radiographer do if the daily radiograph is DARKER than the reference radiograph?

Adjust the developer concentration or temperature before further use.

When checking the daily stepwedge, at what point does the developer solution NEED to be changed?

If the density differs from the standard by more than 2 steps.

How should the month's supply of pre-exposed stepwedge films be stored?

In a dark, dry area protected from x-radiation.

Where should the film be placed when using a Normalizing Device?

Underneath the copper square

If the processed film shows a density 'Less than 3', what does this indicate about the developer?

The developer solution is weak or inadequate.

What is the primary role of the fixer solution during the clearing process?

To remove unexposed silver halide crystals and make the film transparent in those areas.

According to the 2-minute rule, what does it mean if a film clears in 90 seconds?

The fixer is of adequate strength, and you can proceed with use.

If a film has not cleared after 4 minutes in the fixer, what is the required action?

Replace the fixer solution immediately.

Which of the following is a mandatory DAILY protocol for digital radiography?

Performing a back-up of digital data

What does 'Scaling Error' refer to in digital quality control?

The accuracy of digital measurements compared to actual size

Why must the digital sensor be handled with more care than traditional film packets?

It is a reused, expensive electronic component.

What does 'Quality Administration' specifically refer to in a dental office?

The management and organization of the quality assurance plan.

Why is a 'Record-keeping log' essential for a quality administration program?

To document that all QA tests were performed and to track equipment performance over time.

Which element ensures that all staff members are up-to-date with new imaging protocols?

In-service training

What is the primary concern when a dental radiographer has to perform a 'retake'?

The patient is exposed to unnecessary additional radiation.

Which of the following is NOT a principal objective of Safety Code 30?

Maximizing the profit of the dental clinic.

According to Safety Code 30, what information is provided regarding the facility where X-rays are taken?

Information on facility design and shielding requirements.