Ch. 13: Dental Radiographer Basics

Importance of Educating Dental Patients

• Educating patients enhances their understanding of dental images and procedures.
• Awareness decreases fear associated with x-ray exposure.
• Informed patients are more cooperative and motivated for regular dental visits.

Methods of Patient Education

• Oral presentations featuring completed radiographic series highlight normal vs. abnormal findings.
• Printed literature and visual aids explain periodontal disease and benefits of radiographs.
• A combination of oral and printed resources can be utilized for effective education.

Dental X-Ray Frequency for Adults

• Guidelines from the ADA inform x-ray examination frequency.
• There is no established interval for routine x-ray imaging.

Necessity of Dental X-Rays

• Many dental conditions can only be detected through imaging, not just visual examination.
• Undetected issues may lead to significant damage and pain over time.

Dental X-Ray Frequency for Children

• The frequency of dental x-rays for children should be determined on an individual basis.

Patient Rights and Radiographs

• Patients cannot refuse necessary dental x-rays without risking negligent care.
• Dentists require radiographs for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Utilizing Previous Dental Images

• Diagnostic images from former dentists can be accepted in lieu of new exposures.

Limiting X-Ray Exposure

• No x-ray exposure is entirely safe; strict guidelines are essential to minimize radiation.
• Customization of x-ray orders based on individual needs protects patients.
• Safety measures include the use of thyroid collars, lead aprons, fast film or digital sensors, and beam alignment devices.
• Switching to sensors from film can reduce exposure time by 50% to 90%, with F-speed film being the fastest currently available.

Purpose of Lead Aprons

• Lead aprons protect sensitive tissues—reproductive, blood-forming, and thyroid—from scatter radiation.

X-Ray Exposure During Pregnancy

• Proper use of lead aprons results in no detectable radiation to the embryo or fetus during x-ray procedures.
• The ADA and FDA recommend no alterations to treatment during pregnancy.

Radiographer's Absence During X-Ray

• The dental radiographer leaves the room to avoid unnecessary exposure, as the benefits of x-rays are intended for patient diagnosis only.

Safety of Dental X-Rays

• Dental radiographs involve minimal radiation exposure; however, no exposure level is completely safe.
• X-rays should be prescribed only when the advantages outweigh potential risks.

Cancer Risk from Dental X-Rays

• No documented cases link dental radiography directly to cancer.
• The estimated risk of developing fatal cancer from dental x-rays is 3 in one million, compared to a spontaneous cancer risk of 3,300 in one million.

Substitution of Panoramic Images

• A panoramic image cannot replace a comprehensive intraoral series, as it lacks the detailed view required.

Ownership of Dental Images

• Dental images and records are owned by the dentist, though patients can access their records reasonably.
• Original radiographs remain part of the patient's record with the dentist.

Advantages of Digital Imaging

• Digital imaging reduces patient radiation exposure significantly.
• Digital data is easily stored, transmitted, and manipulated electronically.
• Instant imaging is possible with no need for harmful film processing materials.

Risks Associated with Digital Imaging

• Despite reduced exposure with digital imaging, some level of risk remains due to radiation.
• Radiation exposure time can be decreased by 50% to 90% with digital technology.