Dental Radiography Regulations and Quality Control

Study Notes

Dental Radiography Regulations

The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act mandates training and certification for individuals who take radiographs.
A patient's informed consent is required before taking dental images.
Dentists are legally authorized to prescribe dental images.
Dentists are the legal owners of a patient’s dental images.

Quality Assurance and Control

Quality assurance involves maintaining high-quality diagnostic radiographs.
Quality control tests are specific procedures used to monitor dental radiographic equipment, supplies, and film processing to detect minor malfunctions.
Check film for freshness every time you open a new box.
Do not use scratched film cassettes.
Film processing is a critical aspect of quality control and needs daily monitoring.
The coin test checks the safety light.
Processing solutions require daily replenishment.
Reference radiographs and step wedges are used to assess radiographic densities and contrast.
Fixer losing strength is evident by films taking longer to "clear".
Quality administration involves managing the overall quality assurance program.
All staff members should be aware of the quality administration program.

Infection Control

Dental imaging presents unique infection control challenges due to operator movement between the oral cavity, exposure controls, the darkroom, and film mounting, increasing the risk of spreading infectious diseases.
Cover surfaces that are not easily sanitized with barriers.
The minimum personal protective equipment for operators during radiograph exposure is gloves. Protective eyewear, mask, and gown are optional unless there is a risk of blood or body fluid splatter.
Open positioning instrument packages in front of the patient.
Wear gloves when handling contaminated film or phosphor storage plates (PSP).
After removing the receptor from the patient's mouth, wipe off saliva using a dry gauze sponge or paper towel.
Place contaminated film or PSP envelope in a disposable paper cup labeled with the patient's name.
If PSPs are not being immediately scanned, remove them from the sealed envelope, open the barrier envelopes, and place the PSPs into a black transfer box while wearing gloves.
Wear chemical-resistant utility gloves and protective eyewear when disinfecting radiography equipment.
Never touch the disposable container of contaminated films with gloved hands.
Only after removing gloves, washing and drying hands, dismissing the patient, and cleaning and disinfecting the area, can the container with contaminated films be transported to the processor.

Description

This quiz covers essential regulations and quality assurance practices in dental radiography. It highlights the legal aspects of consent and ownership of dental images, as well as critical quality control procedures for maintaining high standards in radiographic practices. Test your knowledge on these important topics.