Course Content
Introduction
Here is what to expect
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About the Exam
Resourses
About The Course
Unit 1A: Purpose and Technique (50%) (Purpose)
A. Purpose of radiographic images 1. Periapical 2. Bitewing 3. Full mouth series 4. Occlusal 5. Full-mouth survey 6. Panoramic 7. Cephalometric 8. CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) B. Technique 1. Review patient medical and dental histories for contraindications, including medications. 2. Intraoral techniques, including error correction. a. Paralleling b. Bisecting angle 3. Extraoral techniques, including error correction. a. Panoramic b. Cephalometric c. CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) basics 4. Technique modifications based on anatomical variations and clinical conditions. 5. Purpose and maintenance of radiographic equipment. 6. Patient management techniques. 7. Mounting and anatomical landmarks that aid in mounting. 8. Anatomical structures and dental materials observed on images (e.g., differentiating between radiolucent and radiopaque areas). 9. Features of a diagnostically acceptable image. 10. Prepare images for legal requirements (e.g., HIPAA).
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Purpose of Radiographic Images
06:55
Periapical Radiographs (PA)
01:58
Bitewing Radiographs (BWX)
01:40
Full Mouth Series (FMX)
Occlusal Radiographs
Full-mouth survey
Panoramic Radiography
Cephalometric Radiography
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Technique
Anatomy Flashcards
Quadrants, Regions, and Tooth Numbering Systems
Practice and Review
Additional Insights
Final Unit Lesson: Reviewing Radiographic Imaging Techniques
Unit I A Practice quiz
Matching Assignment: Types of Radiographs and Their Purposes
Matching Quiz: Types of Radiographs and Their Purposes
Film/Sensor Holding Devices
Unit 1B Purpose and Technique (50%) (Technique)
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Reviewing Patient Medical and Dental Histories for Contraindications, Including Medications
Techniques: Intraoral Techniques, Including Error Correction
Extraoral Techniques, Including Error Correction
Technique Modifications Based on Anatomical Variations and Clinical Conditions
Equipment Purpose & Maintenance
Patient Management Techniques in Dental Radiography
Mounting and Anatomical Landmarks in Dental Radiography
Anatomical Structures and Dental Materials in Dental Radiography
Features of a Diagnostically Acceptable Image in Dental Radiography
Legal Requirements & Image Preparation
Unit 1B Practice Quiz
The Nature of X-rays (Physics Basics)
06:34
Unit 2A: Radiation production (25%)
Radiation production. 1. Sources of radiation for operators/other staff during radiation production. 2. Factors affecting x-ray production (e.g., kVp, mA, exposure time). 3. Radiation characteristics. 4. Radiation physics. a. Primary. b. Scatter (secondary). 5. Radiation biology. a. Short-and long-term effects of radiation on cells and tissues. b. Concepts of radiation dose.
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Sources of radiation for operators/other staff during radiation production
Factors Affecting X-ray Production
Radiation Characteristics and Interactions with Matter
Radiation Production Sources
Radiation Safety and Patient Exposure
Radiation Physics in Dental Imaging
Radiation Biology and Effects on Dental Tissues
Unit 2A Summary: Radiation Health and Safety in Dental Imaging
Unit 2B: Radiation Safety
Radiation safety. 1. Causes of unnecessary exposure to radiation. 2. Patient exposure to radiation (ALARA, ADA recommendations). 3. Factors that influence radiation safety (e.g., filtration, shielding, collimation, PID length). 4. Patient radiation concerns. 5. Informed consent or patient refusal for exposure to radiation. 6. Protocol for suspected x-ray machine malfunctions.
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Radiation Safety: Causes of Unnecessary Exposure to Radiation
Patient exposure to radiation (ALARA, ADA recommendations)
Factors that Influence Radiation Safety (Filtration, Shielding, Collimation, PID Length)
Patient Radiation Concerns and Informed Consent
Informed Consent and Patient Refusal for Exposure to Radiation
Protocol for Suspected X-ray Machine Malfunctions
Summary of Unit II: Radiation Safety
Practice and Review
Unit 2 Practice Quiz
Unit 3A: Standard precautions for equipment and supplies (25%)
Standard precautions for equipment and supplies according to ADA, CDC and OSHA, including but not limited to: 1. breakdown and setup of treatment room. 2. barriers. 3. position indicating and beam alignment devices. 4. clinical contact surfaces. 5. critical and semi-critical instrument sterilization
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Introduction to Unit IIIA: Standard Precautions for Equipment and Supplies
Breakdown and Setup of Treatment Room
Use of Barriers and Position Indicating Devices (PIDs)
position indicating and beam alignment devices.
Clinical Contact Surface Maintenance
Critical and Semi-Critical Instrument Sterilization
Unit 3A Summary
Unit 3B: Standard precautions for patients and operators
Standard precautions for patients and operators according to ADA, CDC and OSHA, including but not limited to: 1. hand hygiene. 2. PPE (donning, doffing). 3. cross contamination.
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Hand Hygiene and Infection Control
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protocol
Cross Contamination Prevention Strategies
Government Agencies and Associations
Infection Control and Hazardous Materials Management
Unit IIIA: Comprehensive Summary
Unit IIIB: Summary Standard Precautions for Patients and Operators
Unit 3 Practice Quiz
Vocabulary Terms
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Glossary of Vocabulary Terms
Practice Exams
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RHS Practice Test
RHS Exam Prep

Radiation Safety – Patient Exposure to Radiation (ALARA, ADA Recommendations)

Learning Objectives

  • Thoroughly understand the ALARA principle and its importance in dental radiography.
  • Familiarize yourself with the ADA’s recommendations for minimizing patient exposure to radiation.
  • Master practical strategies and techniques to adhere to these guidelines in your dental practice.

Introduction

Ensuring the safety of patients by minimizing their exposure to radiation is a cornerstone of ethical dental practice. This module offers a comprehensive overview of the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and the American Dental Association’s (ADA) guidelines. These are critical components of dental radiography that can significantly influence both your performance on the RHS exam and your future practice.

The ALARA Principle

ALARA stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable,” a principle designed to minimize radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare providers.

The Three Pillars of ALARA

  1. Justification: Never perform a radiographic examination unless there is a potential diagnostic or therapeutic benefit that outweighs the risks of radiation exposure.

  2. Optimization: Employ all available technological advances and best practices to minimize exposure while maintaining diagnostic integrity.

  3. Dose Limitation: Familiarize yourself with local and national regulations concerning dose limits, and ensure your practices conform to or exceed these standards.

Practical Implementations of ALARA

  • Selective radiography, avoiding routine screenings.
  • Utilization of lead aprons and thyroid shields.
  • Use of high-speed film or digital sensors to reduce exposure time.

ADA Recommendations

The ADA provides detailed guidelines for dental professionals to minimize patient exposure to radiation.

Imaging Protocols

  • Utilize fastest-speed image receptors that are compatible with diagnostic objectives.
  • Employ digital imaging systems whenever possible to reduce the exposure time further.

Protective Measures

  • Lead aprons and thyroid collars should be available and used routinely, unless contraindicated by specific clinical circumstances.

Equipment and Technique

  • Use rectangular collimation to narrow the focus of the X-ray beam and limit the exposure to non-target tissues.
  • Calibrate X-ray machines regularly and ensure they are operating within safe parameters.

Staff Training

  • Continuing education on updated radiographic techniques and safety protocols is a must. Make sure all staff members who operate radiological equipment are certified and up-to-date in their training.

Additional Safety Tips

  • Always confirm the patient’s medical history and previous radiographic examinations to avoid unnecessary repetition.
  • Adopt techniques that allow for image enhancement in post-processing stages, thus minimizing the need for retakes.
  • Apply the two-person rule: one to operate the equipment and another to assist the patient, reducing the chance for errors and retakes.

Conclusion

By following ALARA and ADA guidelines meticulously, you are acting in the best interests of your patients by minimizing their exposure to radiation, while still acquiring essential diagnostic information. Keep these principles in mind as you prepare for your RHS exam, and you’ll be well-equipped to practice safely and effectively in your dental career.

© Coy Academy 2023. This module is exclusively intended for use within the Coy Academy course and is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

For more resources and further learning, please visit Coy Academy.

Exercise Files
207 Patient exposure to radiation.mp3.mp3
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