14 Questions
Which type of filtration refers to the placement of aluminum disks in the path of the x-ray beam between the collimator and the tubehead seal in the dental x-ray machine?
Added filtration
What is the first important step in limiting the amount of x-radiation received by a dental patient?
Proper prescribing of dental images
What are the two types of filtration used in the dental x-ray tubehead?
Inherent and added filtration
What is the recommended angle at which the dental radiographer should stand while taking dental images?
90-135 degrees
True or False: Only dental personnel should be monitored for radiation exposure protection.
False
Where should the radiation badge be worn?
At the waist
What does MPD stand for?
Maximum Permissible Dose
Which dental professionals can serve as dental radiographers in a typical dental practice?
All of the above
What are some of the responsibilities of a dental radiographer in regard to dental imaging?
Ordering dental x-ray equipment
What should a dental radiographer do to avoid occupational exposure to x-radiation?
Maintain an adequate distance from x-rays
Which type of collimator restricts the size of the x-ray beam to an area slightly larger than a size 2 intraoral receptor?
Rectangular collimator
What is the recommended length for a Position-Indicating Device (PID) to decrease patient exposure?
Long (16-inch) PID
Which patient protection device is recommended for all intraoral exposures to protect the thyroid gland from scatter radiation?
Thyroid collar
Which type of film provides the highest reduction in exposure over earlier films?
F-speed film
Study Notes
Filtration in Dental X-ray Machines
- Added filtration in dental x-ray machines refers to the placement of aluminum disks in the path of the x-ray beam between the collimator and the tubehead seal.
Limiting X-radiation Exposure
- The first important step in limiting the amount of x-radiation received by a dental patient is to use filtration.
Types of Filtration
- There are two types of filtration used in the dental x-ray tubehead: inherent and added filtration.
Radiation Safety for Dental Radiographers
- Dental radiographers should stand at an angle of 90 degrees to the x-ray beam while taking dental images to minimize radiation exposure.
- Only dental personnel, including dental radiographers, should be monitored for radiation exposure protection.
- Radiation badges should be worn on the collar or lapel, outside of any lead apron.
Dental Radiographer Roles and Responsibilities
- MPD stands for Master of Dental Public Health.
- Both dentists and dental hygienists can serve as dental radiographers in a typical dental practice.
- Dental radiographers are responsible for taking and developing dental images, as well as maintaining the x-ray machine and ensuring patient safety.
Avoiding Occupational Exposure
- To avoid occupational exposure to x-radiation, dental radiographers should stand at a distance from the x-ray machine, use a long cone, and wear a radiation badge.
Collimators and Position-Indicating Devices
- A long, pointed collimator restricts the size of the x-ray beam to an area slightly larger than a size 2 intraoral receptor.
- A Position-Indicating Device (PID) should be at least 12 inches long to decrease patient exposure.
Patient Protection Devices
- A thyroid collar is a recommended patient protection device for all intraoral exposures to protect the thyroid gland from scatter radiation.
Dental X-ray Film
- Digital x-ray film provides the highest reduction in exposure over earlier films.
Test your knowledge on dental radiography safety and positioning with this quiz. Learn about the optimal angle for the dental radiographer while taking dental images and understand the importance of radiation monitoring for both equipment and personnel.
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