Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 1 Chapter 11 Dental Radiographs and the Dental Radiographer
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 2 Dental Radiography Questions Why are dental radiographs important? What common dental conditions may be found on dental radiographs? What responsibilities may be assigned to the dental radiographer in a dental office?
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3 Dental Radiography Chapter 11 Reading: Iannucci & Howerton (pp )
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 4 Dental Radiography Chapter 11 Outline Dental Radiographs and the Dental Radiographer Dental radiographs The dental radiographer
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 5 Introduction Purpose To review the importance and benefits of dental radiographs and the knowledge and skill requirements of the dental radiographer To define the role of the dental radiographer and describe his or her duties and responsibilities To outline the professional goals of the dental radiographer
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 6 Dental Radiographs Dental radiograph A photographic image produced on film by the passage of x-rays through teeth and supporting structures
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 7 The Importance of Dental Radiographs Iannucci & Howerton (p. 121) A necessary component of comprehensive care Essential for diagnostic purposes Enable the dental professional to identify many conditions that may otherwise go undetected
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 8 Uses of Dental Radiographs Iannucci & Howerton (p. 122) Detection of diseases, lesions, and conditions of the teeth and bones that cannot be identified clinically Confirming suspected diseases Assisting in the localization of lesions and foreign objects
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 9 Benefits of Dental Radiographs Iannucci & Howerton (p. 122) Primary benefit is detection of disease. The benefit far outweighs the risk of small doses of x-radiation.
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 10 Information Found on Dental Radiographs Iannucci (p. 122) Missing teeth Extra teeth Impacted teeth Dental caries Periodontal disease Tooth abnormalities Retained roots Cysts and tumors
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 11 The Dental Radiographer Knowledge and Skill Requirements Duties and Responsibilities Professional Goals
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 12 The Dental Radiographer Any person who positions, exposes, and processes dental x-ray film
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 13 Knowledge and Skill Requirements Iannucci & Howerton (p. 122) Basic understanding of radiation history Working knowledge of radiation physics, characteristics, biology, and protection Familiar with dental x-ray equipment, film, image characteristics, processing, and quality assurance Patient management basics Technique concepts and technical skills
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 14 Duties and Responsibilities Iannucci & Howerton (pp ) May include Positioning and exposure of dental x-ray films Processing of dental x-ray films Mounting and identification of dental radiographs Education of patients Maintenance of darkroom facilities and processing equipment Implementation and monitoring of quality control procedures Ordering of film and supplies
Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 15 Professional Goals Iannucci & Howerton (p. 123) Patient protection Operator protection Patient education Operator competence Operator efficiency Production of quality radiographs