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 – Informed Consent or Patient Refusal for Exposure to Radiation

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the ethical and legal principles surrounding informed consent and patient refusal in dental radiography.
  • Learn how to articulate the benefits, risks, and alternatives of radiographic procedures to patients.
  • Develop effective strategies for obtaining informed consent and handling cases of patient refusal.

Introduction

Navigating the complexities of informed consent and patient refusal for exposure to radiation is a critical aspect of your role as a dental assistant. This module aims to demystify the principles behind these concepts and provides you with the essential tools to manage them effectively.

Informed Consent

What is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is the process by which a patient learns about and understands the purpose, benefits, and potential risks of a medical or surgical procedure, including radiographic procedures, and then agrees to receive it.

Components of Informed Consent

  1. Disclosure: Provide all the necessary information, including the need for the procedure, risks involved, and alternatives available.
  2. Comprehension: Ensure the patient understands the information given.
  3. Voluntariness: Confirm that the patient is making the decision voluntarily and without coercion.

Example: Dental X-ray

Let’s say a patient needs a dental X-ray for a suspected cavity. Explain what the X-ray aims to achieve, the minimal radiation exposure involved, and the fact that not taking it might result in delayed diagnosis and more complicated treatment down the line.

Patient Refusal

What is Patient Refusal?

Patients have the right to refuse a recommended radiographic procedure after understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives involved.

Handling Refusal

  1. Documentation: Make a record of the patient’s refusal, reasons, and the information provided to them.
  2. Alternative Plans: Discuss non-radiologic diagnostic options, if available, and their limitations.

Example: Refusing a Panoramic X-ray

If a patient refuses to have a panoramic X-ray for wisdom tooth assessment, note down their concerns, explain the limitations of alternative diagnostic methods like visual inspection, and document this in their medical records.

Communicating for Consent or Managing Refusal

  1. Language: Use layman’s terms when describing medical procedures and risks.
  2. Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams, charts, or models to help patients understand.
  3. Open Dialogue: Encourage patients to ask questions and express their concerns.

Conclusion

Understanding how to obtain informed consent or manage patient refusal for exposure to radiation is an indispensable skill in your role as a dental assistant. It not only ensures ethical practice but also strengthens the patient-practitioner relationship.

© 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
210 Informed consent or patient refusal.mp3.mp3
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