Course Content
Introduction
Here is what to expect
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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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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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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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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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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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Vocabulary Terms
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Practice Exams
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RHS Exam Prep

Unit 2: Radiation Health and Safety – Enhanced Review Summary

Introduction

Unit 2 offers a comprehensive study in the critical components of Radiation Health and Safety. Divided into Part A and Part B, this unit addresses both the technical aspects of radiation and the best practices for ensuring safety in a dental setting. Let’s delve deeper into each part.

Part A: Radiation Production and Characteristics

Key Concepts:

  1. Radiation Production: This segment unraveled the process by which X-rays are generated in the dental setting. We explored X-ray tubes and key variables affecting X-ray production, including kVp, mA, and exposure time.

  2. Radiation Characteristics: This concept enlightened us on the different types of radiation that occur during the X-ray process. It highlighted primary radiation, which is crucial for image quality, and scattered radiation, which can dilute the image quality and pose safety risks.

  3. Radiation Biology: We dove deep into how radiation affects living cells and tissues. We discussed direct and indirect effects, such as ionizing radiation breaking chemical bonds or triggering harmful free radicals. We also looked at both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects, from immediate symptoms like nausea to potential long-term risks like cancer.

Important Vocabulary:

  • Primary Radiation: The main X-rays produced and directed toward the patient or image receptor.
  • Scattered (Secondary) Radiation: X-rays that diverge from their initial course due to interaction with matter.
  • Radiolucent and Radiopaque: Radiolucent areas allow X-rays to pass through, appearing darker, while radiopaque areas block X-rays, appearing lighter.
  • Ionizing Radiation: Radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thereby ionizing them.
  • Acute vs. Chronic Effects: Acute effects occur immediately after high-dose exposure, whereas chronic effects happen over time with long-term exposure.
  • Grays (Gy) and milliGrays (mGy): Units of radiation dose that quantify the energy absorbed by tissues.

Part B: Radiation Safety

Key Concepts:

  1. Causes of Unnecessary Exposure: This section focused on common pitfalls and bad practices that could lead to unnecessary radiation exposure. Examples included faulty equipment, poor technique, and lack of shielding.

  2. Patient Exposure: Here, we tackled the ALARA principle, emphasizing the importance of minimizing radiation exposure. We also covered the American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendations for radiation safety.

  3. Informed Consent: This concept highlighted the ethical need to inform patients about potential radiation risks and to obtain their explicit consent before any radiographic procedure.

  4. X-ray Machine Malfunctions: We laid out a step-by-step protocol to follow if an X-ray machine appears to be malfunctioning, from immediate actions to take to reporting the issue for further investigation.

Important Vocabulary:

  • ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable): A principle aimed at reducing radiation exposure to the lowest possible levels.
  • Filtration, Shielding, Collimation, PID length: Different techniques and equipment used to minimize radiation exposure.
  • Informed Consent: A legal and ethical requirement for educating patients about the risks and benefits of a procedure and obtaining their agreement to proceed.
  • Quality Assurance: The routine activities aimed at ensuring that radiographic procedures and equipment meet specified standards for safety and quality.

Exam Tips:

  • Expect questions that require you to differentiate between primary and scattered radiation.
  • Be prepared to discuss the ALARA principle and ADA recommendations in the context of case scenarios.
  • Familiarize yourself with the proper protocol for dealing with suspected X-ray machine malfunctions.

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