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 – Case Studies and Scenarios Module

Introduction

Practice makes perfect, and nowhere is that more true than in the field of dental radiography. To help solidify your understanding of the topics covered in Unit 2, we’ve prepared a series of case studies and scenarios. These will help you apply your knowledge, reinforcing key concepts and terminology that may appear in the exam.


Case Study 1: Proper Radiation Production

Scenario:
You’re a dental assistant and you notice that the X-ray images have been coming out darker than usual.

Questions:

  1. What could be the reasons for the darker images?
  2. Which factors affecting X-ray production (e.g., kVp, mA, exposure time) would you adjust to correct the issue?
  3. What are the risks associated with overexposed radiographs?

Key Concepts for Review:

  • kVp, mA, Exposure time
  • Primary Radiation
  • Radiation Dose

Case Study 2: Patient Safety and ALARA

Scenario:
You have a new patient, Mrs. Smith, who is visibly anxious about the X-ray process, mentioning that she is concerned about radiation exposure.

Questions:

  1. How would you explain the ALARA principle to Mrs. Smith?
  2. What ADA recommendations can you cite to reassure her about safety?
  3. What protective measures can you employ to minimize radiation exposure?

Key Concepts for Review:

  • ALARA Principle
  • ADA Recommendations
  • Filtration, Shielding, Collimation

Case Study 3: Informed Consent and Refusal

Scenario:
Mr. Johnson reads about radiation risks online and refuses to undergo dental X-rays. He asks if there are any alternatives.

Questions:

  1. How would you handle Mr. Johnson’s refusal?
  2. What are the ethical and legal considerations surrounding informed consent?
  3. Are there alternative imaging techniques that involve less or no radiation?

Key Concepts for Review:

  • Informed Consent
  • Patient Refusal
  • Ethical Practices in Radiography

Case Study 4: X-ray Machine Malfunction

Scenario:
During a routine check, you notice that the X-ray machine is making unusual noises, and the test image is grainy.

Questions:

  1. What immediate steps should you take?
  2. Who should you report the malfunction to?
  3. What are the safety risks associated with malfunctioning X-ray equipment?

Key Concepts for Review:

  • Protocol for Suspected X-ray Machine Malfunctions
  • Quality Assurance
  • Radiation Safety Risks

Exam Tips:

  • Consider the legal and ethical aspects of each scenario, especially those related to patient consent and refusal.
  • Make sure you are familiar with the key terminology, such as ALARA, kVp, mA, and Primary vs. Scattered Radiation.

Feel free to discuss these scenarios with your peers or instructors to get a well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand. Happy studying!

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