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

Additional Insights & Legal Standards

Professional Responsibilities and Quality Assurance

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Understand the legal ownership of dental radiographs.
  • Identify the requirements for “Informed Consent.”
  • Define the Coin Test and other Quality Assurance (QA) protocols.
  • Recognize the role of radiographs in Forensic Dentistry.

1. Ownership & Legal Records

Radiographs are a legal part of the patient’s permanent dental record. There are two “Golden Rules” regarding X-ray ownership that appear on the exam:

  • Who owns the X-ray? The Dentist owns the actual images, even though the patient (or the insurance company) paid for them.
  • Patient Access: Patients have a legal right to access their X-rays. If they move, the original stays with the dentist, and a duplicate/copy is sent to the new office.

2. Quality Assurance: The Coin Test

How do we know the darkroom or digital equipment is working correctly? We perform periodic Quality Assurance (QA) tests. The most famous is the Coin Test.

  • Purpose: To check for Light Leaks or “Safe Light” adequacy in a darkroom.
  • The Process: An unwrapped, unexposed film is placed on the counter with a coin on top for 3-4 minutes, then processed.
  • The Result: If you see an image of the coin, your safelight is NOT safe (it is “fogging” the film).

3. Forensic Dentistry

Dental radiographs are the most reliable way to identify human remains when other methods (such as fingerprints) are unavailable. This is because:

  • Dental pulp and restorations are highly resistant to heat and decomposition.
  • The shape of the maxillary sinus and the patterns of dental work (fillings/crowns) are as unique as a fingerprint.

🎓 DANB EXAM FOCUS: Informed Consent

If a patient refuses X-rays, the dentist cannot legally treat them. However, Informed Consent must be obtained before exposure. This includes explaining:

1. Why are X-rays needed?

2. The risks of radiation vs. the risks of not taking them.

3. Who will be performing the procedure?

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