DTA 2030 - Radiology I

1. Discuss the historical development and the role of radiology in modern dentistry.
2. Name the person who:
   1. discovered x rays.
   2. exposed the first dental x ray.
   3. was considered the father of radiation protection.
   4. was considered one of the pioneers in the United States in the field of dental radiography.
3. Relate radiography with the diagnosis, treatment planning and other phases of dental practice.

UNIT #2 CHARACTERISTICS OF RADIATION 

1. Differentiate between the various parts of atomic and molecular structure pertaining to x radiation.
2. Compare the stability of an atom and conditions of atomic instability.
3. Differentiate between X-rays and other forms of ionizing and electromagnetic radiation.
4. Contrast the common characteristics and properties of ionizing radiation its penetrating power, and its use in  Dentistry
5. Identify the following terms:
   1. decaying isotopes¬
   2. electromagnetic spectrum
   3. particulate energy
   4. corpuscular energy
6. Describe the physical nature of radiant energy (both ionizing and non ionizing radiation.
7. Research, compose, outline, and present a speech on effects of electromagnetic energies to the environment and humans.
8. Identify how x rays are measured.

UNIT  #3 DENTAL X RAY MACHINE, COMPONENTS AND THEIR FUNCTION

1. Identify the major parts of a dental x ray machine.
2. Compare the electrical components of a dental x-ray.
3. Analyze the factors and/or conditions necessary for x ray production and discuss how x rays 
4. Describe, discuss, draw, identify, or list the parts of the x ray tube, electrical circuits, control devices, and their functions.
5. Identify the metals used in the construction of the following parts of the x ray tube and discuss why these metals are selected: focal spot, focusing cup, target, filament, stem and filter
6. Label a diagram of an x-ray head and tube.
7. Recognize the definitions and functions of the following terms: voltage, alternating current, transformer time delay as it relates to the x ray machine.
8. Describe and discuss interrelationships between various exposure factors, solve arithmetic problems involving these factors, and relate this information to clinical situations in which these variables may be changed.
9. Perform Laboratory assignments to determine the different variation of control factors and analyze the result.

UNIT #4 PRODUCTION OF RADIATION

1. Explain the steps in the production of a radiograph.
2. Define what is meant by radiation quality and quantity.
3. Describe which control factors influences the quantity and quality of the x ray beam.
4. Describe how quality and quantity are measured and how they affect the radiographic image.
5. Compare the following terms to distances described during the exposure of a radiograph.
   1. target and surface
   2. target and object
   3. object and film
   4. target and film
6. Relate the following terms to the control factors of combination of factors that can effect results of a radiographic image:
   1. contrast e. short scale contrast
   2. definition f. long and short wave lengths
   3. density g. distortion
   4. longscale contrast
7. Describe the need to collimate the x ray beam and the structure that is used to accomplish collimation.
8. Describe the size of the collimated beam used in dental radiography.
9. Describe the function of the focal spot, why it is necessary and what purpose it serves.

UNIT #5 BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE

1. Describe the two forms in which radiation may occur.
2. Define the two general classifications of cells.
3. Describe the biological effects that are caused by ionizing and particulate radiation.
4. Compare the percentage of recovery rate of somatic cells within the first 24 hours after radiation exposure and the recovery after the first 24 hours.
5. Describe the terms used to identify the degree of susceptibility of various body tissues to radiation exposure.
6. Compare the differences in radiosensitivity among organs, tissues, and species.  
7. Analyze which cells have the ability to pass on mutations to future generations as a result of radiation exposure.
8. Compare the theories of biological damage and the effects as a result of radiation on somatic and genetic cells.
9. Describe in general terms the physical, chemical, and biological circumstances influencing the response of tissue to ionizing radiation.
10. Describe the direct and indirect theories of biological effects of radiation on body tissues.
11. Compare the different effects of large dosages of radiation delivered over a short period of time to the same dosage delivered over a long period of time.
12. Identify the organization which sets the radiation safety standards for the general public.
13. Compare the effects of high and low level exposures or radiation to somatic tissue.
14. Identify the types of genetic effects radiation exposure may produce.
15. Compare the long and short term effects of radiation exposure.
16. Discuss the terms cumulative, latent period, erythema, x ray dermatitis, threshold, acute radiation syndrome and linear theory.
17. Define rad, rem, roentgen, exposure rate, dose rate, Curies, Gray, Sievert and Becquerel.
18. Describe physical conditions caused by radiation therapy to the head and neck area.

UNIT #6 RADIATION HYGIENE

1. Identify the person legally responsible for all acts performed on patients.
2. Differentiate between the primary and useful radiation beam.
3. Differentiate between secondary and scattered radiation.
4. Describe leakage radiation and the cause of it accruing.
5. Describe materials used to filter radiation for the protection of the patient and operator.
6. Compare the amounts of total filtration needed for machines operating below and above 70 K.V.P.
7. Discuss what device is use to attenuate the useful beam.
8. Identify the name of the area of the dental office that is under the radiation supervisor’s control.
9. Describe the concept of half value layer in regards to the x ray beam.
10. Define these terms: primary protective barrier, and secondary protective barrier.
11. Describe the legal authority which gives the states’ rights to regulate health.
12. Contrast the safety techniques and devices used to protect the patient and operator from radiation.
13. Describe and evaluate the ways an operator can mechanically and technically protect the patient from unnecessary radiation.
14. Discuss the structural devices which can be used to protect the operator from radiation.
15. Appraise which safeguards, regarding the film, that operators can use to protect the patient from unnecessary radiation.
16. Describe the public health implications of population exposure.
17. Relate the modifications that can be made on dental x ray machines to bring them up to current safety standards.
18. Describe two types of area monitoring devices.
19. Analyze the three types of personal monitoring devices and the disadvantages and advantages of each.
20. Compare and describe the rational of the maximum permissible dose (MPD) “for occupational and non occupational exposed individuals.
21. Choose which darkroom modifications can be made that could possibly eliminate the need to re expose radiographs on a
22. Discuss the need for high diagnostic yield while keeping exposure to a minimum.

 UNIT # 7      LEGAL ISSUES

1. List the federal and state regulations affecting the use of dental x-ray equipment.
2. Discuss legal implications as they affect the dental auxiliary.
3. Describe the licensure requirements for exposing dental radiographs.
4. Define:  Risk management, Informed consent, Malpractice, Negligence, and Statute of Limitations.
5. Describe the legal implication of patient refusal to have dental x-rays exposed.
6. Discuss the patient’s rights with regard to the dental record and how confidentiality laws affect the information in their dental records.

UNIT  #8 X RAY FILMS

1. Analyze the composition of dental x ray film emulsion.
2. Differentiate between film sizes, speeds, uses, and sensitivity.
3. Differentiate between film holders and cassettes; screen film and non screen film.
4. Evaluate the types of extraoral film most frequently used by specialists.
5. Compare how the different size of the grains in the film emulsion effects the sensitivity, definition, and detail of the processed radiograph.
6. Identify the two types of energy used to expose duplicating film.
7. Describe the advantages of using x ray packets containing two films.
8. Compare the sizes of films most commonly used for different age groups of patients.
9. Compare and contrast the differences between extra  and intraoral films.
10. Explain the function of phosphors on intensifying screens.
11. Describe the identification markings and contents of intraoral film and their functions.
12. Describe factors affecting film quality, namely, density, contrast, detail or definition and distortion.
13. Discuss latent image formation.
14. Describe and demonstrate proper film storage and handling.
15. Describe conditions which would not be favorable for film storage.
16. Describe the components of the film package and the film.

UNIT #9 DARKROOM AND FILM PROCESSING

1. Identify and describe essential items of darkroom equipment; selection of safelighting; selection of processing equipment and chemicals.
2. Identify the following terms: selective reduction, cutting reducer, hardening agent, replenisher, and reticulation.
3. Analyze what can occur if films are exposed to light leaks and improper safety lighting.
4. Differentiate between safety lighting for intraoral and extraoral radiographs and describe the wattage and distances for safety lighting in a darkroom.
5. Demonstrate and describe the steps in manual and automatic film processing, the importance of each step and describe the errors which may occur if films are not processed properly.
6. Calculate the wattage of safety lighting placed at different heights.
7. Describe what materials manual processing tanks are made of, their maintenance, and care.
8. Analyze the need and describe the ways to replenish the solutions in automatic and manual processing tanks.
9. Assess the importance of guarding against contamination of the processing chemicals and the ways to prevent it.
10. Identify the steps of preparation prior to processing films.
11. List the ways processing chemicals may be purchased for automatic and manual tanks.
12. Evaluate when solutions should be changed and explain why.
13. Compare the different ways of film identification prior to and after processing, and the importance of identification.
14. Differentiate between manual, rapid, and automatic processing.
15. Discuss the mechanical components of automatic processors and their operation.
16. Assess the causes of light radiographic images, fogged film, blank film, white streaks or spots, dark brown or gray films, brownish yellow stain and reticulation.
17. Identify the process of duplicating films.
18. Evaluate the results of over and under exposure of duplicating films.
19. Demonstrate and describe the proper viewing conditions to enhance perception of film contrast.
20. Identify the principle chemical components of processing solutions and describe the functions of each component on both exposed and unexposed portions of the film.
21. Understand the hazards of processing chemicals and the disposal and safety measures associated with them.

UNIT #10 IDENTIFICATION OF ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS, MOUNTINGS, AND INTERPRETATION

1. Identify anatomical and facial landmarks associated with dental radiography.
2. Describe or identify the following structures, objects, or dental materials as they appear on a radiograph relating to their radiolucency or radiopacity: dental caries, pulp tissue, calcium deposits, metal, porcelain, acrylic, silicate, bone resorption, enamel, dentin, cementum, granulomas, and recent extraction sites, impacted, unerupted, or supernumerary teeth.
3. Differentiate between crowns, bridges, orthodontic wires, contour, shape bands, or metallic restoration while examining a radiography.
4. Describe the mandibular canal as it appears on a radiograph, where it originates, where it extends and its purpose.
5. Describe or identify what anatomical landmarks would appear normally in each exposure of an adult full mouth survey, and if they are radiopaque or radiolucent.
6. Differentiate between the internal and external oblique ridges as they appear on a radiograph.
7. Identify on a radiograph the ligamentous attachments.
8. Describe what structures must be included on a periapical and interproximal exposure.
9. Recognize common normal variations in bone patterns of the mandible and maxillae including radiographic differences between cortical and cancellous bone.
10. Identify common anatomic structures found on panoramic, periapical and occlusal radiographs.
11. Describe or identify facial landmarks used in the positioning of a patient during exposures.
12. Mount of full mouth survey correctly using the knowledge of identification of the teeth, anatomical landmarks, and restorations.