Patient management in dental radiology

Before exposures Obtain informed consent Explain procedures to the patient Be confident Be compassionate as patients may have had a bad experience before

Before exposure- some DOs Make settings on machine before placing film in patients mouth Ask patient to remove all intraoral objects and eyeglasses

Before exposure-some Do nots for intraoral radiographs Dont use the word Hurt Dont say Ooops if you make a mistake Dont pickup anything you drop on floor Dont start the exposures in the molar area Dont position the film on a torus

Contd Follow a definite order or sequence in placing and exposing films Align the BID with the aiming ring of the film holder Ask the patient not to move

What can you do to reduce gagging Start with films in the anterior region Tell the patient that the gagging may occur and that everything will be OK Remedies for gagging: - Topical on tongue or palate - Put some salt on tongue - Distract the patient

Dental radiographs have a high- perceived risk but low-actual risk Personal risk form dental radiographs is less than driving to appointment FMX with E films is equivalent to 3 days of background radiation exposure

Patient refuses x-rays due to fear of radiation Explain to patient that the doses of radiation are small compared to the BENEFIT of diagnosing problems Explain that the doctor cannot give a full exam without the x-rays Postpone x-rays during pregnancy