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

Quadrants, Regions, and Numbering

The Foundation of Dental Radiography

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Divide the oral cavity into 4 Quadrants and 2 Arches.
  • Identify the Anterior and Posterior regions of the mouth.
  • Master the Universal Numbering System (1-32).
  • Understand the difference between Primary (A-T) and Permanent dentition numbering.

1. Dividing the Mouth

In radiography, we divide the mouth into sections to ensure we capture every tooth. You must know these divisions for mounting purposes:

Arches

Maxillary: The upper arch (part of the skull).
Mandibular: The lower arch (the movable jaw).

Quadrants

The mouth is divided into 4 quarters: Upper Right, Upper Left, Lower Left, and Lower Right.

2. Anterior vs. Posterior

This distinction is critical for choosing the correct sensor size and Rinn holder color.

  • Anterior: The “front” teeth. Includes Incisors and Canines (Cuspids). (Rinn Color: BLUE)
  • Posterior: The “back” teeth. Includes Premolars (Bicuspids) and Molars. (Rinn Color: YELLOW)

3. Universal Numbering System

The DANB RHS exam uses the Universal Numbering System. You must be able to identify a tooth by its number instantly.

Dentition Type Numbering Method
Permanent (Adult) Numbered 1 through 32. Starts at the Upper Right 3rd Molar (#1) and ends at the Lower Right 3rd Molar (#32).
Primary (Child) Lettered A through T. Following the same clockwise path as adult teeth.

🎓 DANB EXAM FOCUS: The Midline

In the Universal System, tooth numbers 8 & 9 (Maxillary) and 24 & 25 (Mandibular) meet at the Midline. If an exam question shows a PA of the midline, you are looking at the Centrals!