Chapter 12 Dental Images and dental Radiographer

Dental Image

a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object produced by passage of x-rays through teeth an supporting structures.

Importance of Dental Images

T/F An oral examination without dental images limits the dental practitioner’s knowledge to what is seen clinically: that is, teeth and soft tissues.

True

Uses of dental images

what is the most important uses of dental images?

detection of disease

lesions

conditions of bone and teeth not seen clinically

Uses of dental images

Many _____ and _______ produce no clinical signs or symptoms, only discovered through dental images.

diseases and conditions

Uses of dental images

What are dental images also used for?

confirming suspected disease

Localization of lesions

foreign objects

status of teeth and bone during growth and development

Uses of dental images

Why are dental images essential for patients record?

baseline information of patient

documents conditions at specific times

comparative purposes

Benefits of dental images

What is the primary benefit of dental images?

detection of disease

Information found on dental image

what are some conditions that can only be found on dental images

missing teeth

extra teeth

impacted teeth

dental caries

periodontal disease

tooth abnormalities

retained roots

cysts and tumors

The dental radiographer

what is dental radiographer?

any person who positions, exposes, and processes dental x-ray images receptors.

The dental radiographer

The dental radiographer is a dental ______, either a ________ or a _________.

auxiliaries, dental hygienist, or dental assistant.

Knowledge and skill requirements

what are the basic understandings needed of radiation for a dental radiographer?

radiation history, radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation protection, and radiation and image characteristics.

what are the equipment familiarities the dental radiographer needs?

x-ray equipment, digital imaging sensors and dental x-ray film, film processing, mounting and viewing

Duties and responsibilities

Assigned responsibilities in regard to dental imaging may include the following

Positioning and exposure of dental x-ray imaging receptors

• Processing of dental x-ray films

• Data retrieval of digital images

• Mounting and identification of dental images

• Education of patients about dental imaging

• Maintenance of darkroom and processing equipment

• Implementation and monitoring of quality control tests

• Ordering of dental x-ray equipment and related supplies

Professional goals

Priority goals for the dental radiographer include

patient and operator protection

patient education

operator competence and efficiency

production of quality images.

Professional goals

Patient Protection: Patient protection techniques used before exposure includes

proper prescribing of dental images and the use of proper equipment.

thyroid collar and lead apron

a fast film or digital sensor

beam alignment devices

Professional Goal

Operator Protection: To avoid occupational exposure to x-radiation, the dental radiographer must always

avoid the primary beam

maintain an adequate distance

proper position

proper shielding from x-rays during the procedure.

Professional Goal

Patient education: The dental radiographer must play an active role in the education of patients concerning

radiation exposure

patient protection

the value and uses of dental images

Professional Goal

Operator competence: dental radiographer must strive to maintain or improve professional competence by

attending continuing education courses and lectures

studying professional books and journals

reviewing and updating dental imaging techniques.

Professional Goal

Production of quality images: To produce a diagnostic dental image, the radiographer must

properly position and expose the receptor.