DTA 2041 - Radiology II

Includes 11 laboratory hours 

Student Learning Outcomes:
Unit #1 Identifying and Correcting Faculty Radiographs  

1. Assess the requirements an x-ray must have to be of diagnostic value. 

2. Describe the need of being aware of the causes of inadequacies of exposing and processing films. 

3. List and identify the different errors that can be caused by exposure techniques and film processing. 

4. Evaluate these inadequacies of  a processed radiograph, explain the causes of each error inadequacy and how one would correct: elongation, foreshortening, cone cutting, blurred film, films too light or too dark, insufficient incisal or occlusal edge, herringbone pattern, dark to white lines, overlapping of contacts, film not being parallel to the occlusal or incisal edge of the teeth, bent film packet, clear films, insufficient contrast or density, double image, scratched film, webbed image, reticulation, fogging, brownish-yellow stains, white or dark spots. 

Unit #2 Paralleling Technique and Radiographic Exposures on Patients  

1. Contrast the geometric theories of bisecting and paralleling radiographic technique. 

2. Compare the quality of radiographic exposures obtained through bisecting and paralleling radiographic techniques. 

3. Demonstrate the assemble and placement in the mouth of film holding devices used with the paralleling technique. 

4. Evaluate a patient’s oral anatomy, as it relates to the placing of films intraorally on a fellow student. 

5. Demonstrate the placement of film holding devices, with the radiograph in position, for each exposure of a 20 film survey on a fellow student.  (DO NOT EXPOSE THE FILM) 

6. Using the paralleling technique expose’ process and evaluate two acceptable 20 series full mouth surveys on the manikin. 

7. List any mistakes of each exposure on each of the full mouth surveys taken on the manikin and explain how to correct each mistake.  An 85% is the acceptable grade for this assignment. 

8. Apply principles of asepsis during radiographic exposures to avoid transmission of infectious agents. 

9. Review the medical history of patients prior to initiating radiographic procedures to determine conditions which would indicate or contraindicate a radiograph examination. 

10. Review the doctor’s prescription form to be able to prepare for procedure. 

11. Create a continuous quality assurance program to assure production of acceptable diagnostic quality radiographs with minimum film exposure to radiation. 

12. Assess patient’s reaction, consider patient comfort throughout the radiographic procedure and react appropriately to the patient’s verbal and non-verbal communication. 

13. Create an atmosphere of mutual trust with patients and respond to patient concerns about safety with knowledge based on information, scientific data and sound reasoning. 

14. Use appropriate intraoral radiographic film techniques in regard to film placement angulation, and exposure factors to produce two or three complete mouth surveys on patients, demonstrating simple management problems using bisecting angle and paralleling principles. 

15. Process, mount and evaluate the full mouth surveys in terms of technical quality, accuracy and clinical acceptability on the evaluation forms provided. 

16. Assess any errors of each film and how one would correct these errors.  No retakes are made until the instructor gives permission. 

17. Duplicate the two or three patient surveys, complete all patient records and send originals to the prescribing dentist with a typed thank you letter attached or personally deliver them. 

Unit #3 Radiographic Exposure Bisecting Angle  

1. Describe the geometric theory behind the bisection of the angle technique of periapical and interproximal exposures. 

2. Evaluate a patient’s oral anatomy as it pertains to placement of films, on a fellow student, by using the evaluation form provided. 

3. Demonstrate the correct patient head positioning for maxillary and mandibular exposures, by relating to facial and anatomical landmarks. 

4. Demonstrate the use of film holding devices on a classmate when using the bisecting angle technique and apply principles of infection control. 

5. Demonstrate correct intraoral radiographic exposure technique in regard to film placement, angulation, and exposure factor and processing to produce two acceptable full mouth surveys using the bisecting angle technique on a manikin.  

6. Mount the two mouth surveys, critically evaluate all radiographs in terms of technical quality, accuracy, and clinical acceptability on the evaluation form provided, and describe the correction of any errors. 

7. Use safety measures for protecting films before and after exposure. 

Unit #4 Panoramic  

1. Define the key terms associated with panoramic imaging. 

2. Describe the purpose and uses of panoramic imaging. 

3. Describe the fundamentals of panoramic imaging. 

4. Describe the equipment used in panoramic imaging. 

5. Describe patient preparation, equipment preparation, and patient positioning procedures needed before exposing a panoramic projection. 

6. Describe a diagnostic panoramic image. 

7. Identify the patient preparation and patient positioning errors seen on panoramic images, discuss the causes of these errors, and describe the necessary measures needed to correct such errors. 

8. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of panoramic imaging. 

Unit #5 Extraoral Radiography  

1. Identify what size films are used in extraoral radiography. 

2. Describe the clinical indications for and have an understanding of basic methods used when exposing the following radiographs:   

1. lateral oblique views of the mandible and maxilla 

2. posterior anterior view of the mandible 

3. panoramic  

4. cephalometric. 

3. Discuss in general terms the principles of panoramic radiography and the advantages and disadvantages of panoramic radiography compared to intraoral radiographs. 

4. Evaluate film faults associated with extraoral radiographs.  

Unit #6 Imaging of Patients with Special Needs  

1. Define the key terms associated with patients who have special needs. 

2. List the areas of the oral cavity that are most likely to elicit the gag reflex when stimulated. 

3. List two precipitating factors responsible for initiating the gag reflex. 

4. Describe how to control the gag reflex using operator attitude, patient and equipment preparations, exposure sequencing, and receptor placement and technique. 

5. Describe common physical disabilities and what modifications in technique may be necessary during the imaging examination. 

6. Describe common developmental disabilities and what modifications in technique may be necessary during the imaging examination. 

7. List helpful hints that can be used when treating a person with a disability. 

8. Describe the tooth eruption sequences, prescribing of dental images, recommended techniques, types of examinations, digital sensor issues, patient and equipment preparation, and patient management pertaining to the pediatric dental patient. 

9. Describe the use of receptor placement modifications and recommended periapical technique during endodontic (root canal) procedures. 

10. Describe the purposes of the imaging examination in the edentulous patient. 

11. List and describe the three types of imaging examination that may be used for the edentulous patient. 

Unit #7 Digital Imaging  

1. Define the key terms associated with digital imaging. 

2. Describe the purpose and use of digital imaging. 

3. Discuss the fundamentals of digital imaging. 

4. Describe radiation exposure in digital imaging. 

5. List and describe the equipment used in digital imaging. 

6. List and describe the two types of digital imaging. 

7. Describe the patient and equipment preparations required for digital imaging. 

8. List and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of digital imaging.