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 Radiation Concerns

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concerns patients may have regarding radiation exposure during dental procedures.
  • Learn how to address these concerns effectively for both patient safety and comfort.
  • Master the skills of communicating radiation risks and benefits to patients for informed consent.

Introduction

Radiation is a sensitive topic for many patients. Understanding and addressing their concerns is a crucial part of your role as a dental assistant. In this module, we’ll delve into commonly expressed patient concerns about radiation, explain what they mean, and provide examples for maximum understanding. We’ll also cover how to communicate these effectively with patients for informed consent.

Concern 1: Radiation Dose

What is Radiation Dose?

The term “radiation dose” refers to the amount of ionizing radiation that a patient is exposed to during a procedure.

Example

Think of it like a cup of coffee. Just like how a large cup contains more caffeine, a longer or more intense X-ray procedure will have a higher radiation dose.

Addressing the Concern & Informed Consent

Educate patients about the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, ensuring them that the aim is always to minimize radiation dose while obtaining the necessary diagnostic information. Secure informed consent by clearly explaining the dose they will be exposed to and why it’s needed.

Concern 2: Cumulative Exposure

What is Cumulative Exposure?

Patients often worry about the cumulative effects of multiple X-rays over time, especially if they require ongoing dental treatments.

Example

Consider it like sun exposure: a single day at the beach may not result in sunburn, but frequent and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious skin issues.

Addressing the Concern & Informed Consent

Reassure patients that dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and that adherence to ADA guidelines helps in mitigating risks of cumulative exposure. Informed consent here includes discussing the frequency of these X-rays and their cumulative nature.

Concern 3: Risks vs. Benefits

What are Risks vs. Benefits?

The balancing act between obtaining enough diagnostic information and minimizing radiation exposure.

Example

Think of it like taking an antibiotic. The medication is essential for treating an infection, but it also comes with potential side effects.

Addressing the Concern & Informed Consent

Discuss the specific benefits of the X-ray in question and how it aids in their dental care, contrasting this with the relatively low risks associated with the dose of radiation used. Secure informed consent by explaining this risk-benefit analysis.

Concern 4: Alternative Procedures

What are Alternative Procedures?

Patients may inquire about non-radiologic alternatives to diagnostic procedures.

Example

Imagine choosing between a ladder and an elevator to reach an upper floor. Both can get you there, but one may be more suitable depending on the circumstances.

Addressing the Concern & Informed Consent

Be prepared to discuss when alternative procedures might be an option and when they may not provide the required diagnostic information. For informed consent, explicitly state these alternatives and the trade-offs involved.

Conclusion

By understanding these patient concerns and knowing how to address them, you can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a more comfortable experience for your patients. Mastering the art of communicating these for informed consent is an essential skill for your career and for the well-being of the patients you’ll serve.

© 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 additional resources and further learning, please visit Coy Academy.

Exercise Files
209 Patient radiation concerns.mp3.mp3
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