1. Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 1 Chapter 11 Dental Radiographs and the Dental Radiographer

2. 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?

3. Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3 Dental Radiography  Chapter 11 Reading:  Iannucci & Howerton (pp. 121-124)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 14 Duties and Responsibilities  Iannucci & Howerton (pp. 122-123)  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

15. 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