| |
Aug 06, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
DHYG 103 - Dental Radiography
PREREQUISITES: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program.
COREQUISITES: DHYG 101 - Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene , DHYG 102 - Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene Lab , DHYG 104 - Dental Anatomy , DHYG 105 - Nutrition and Oral Health , DHYG 106 - Oral Histology and Embryology , DHYG 107 - Head and Neck Anatomy
PROGRAM: Dental Hygiene
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 2
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS MIN: 32
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall 2025
Comprehensive study of the principles of ionizing radiation and application of radiographic theory in dental hygiene practice. Radiation safety for operator and patient is emphasized.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
- Explain the basic principles and concepts of radiation in general, with emphasis on x-radiation.
- Identify and describe the component parts and workings of the dental x-ray machine, and explain how x-rays are produced.
- Analyze the factors that affect the quality of the x-ray beam and the radiographic image.
- Discuss the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues.
- Describe and evaluate radiation bioeffects, health considerations, and safety standards.
- Describe appropriate radiation protection procedures for both operator and patient.
- Select and justify appropriate radiographic surveys, sensor size and record-keeping practices.
- Outline how to perform intraoral radiographic techniques for bitewings, occlusal films, and periapicals using currently accepted methods, with emphasis on the paralleling technique.
- Explain quality assurance procedures in dental radiography.
- Examine viewing techniques and apply principles of radiographic interpretation.
- Interpret and critique panoramic radiographs and other extraoral radiographic techniques as appropriate.
- Compare alternate imaging modalities in dental radiography.
- Identify normal radiographic landmarks, artifacts, and shadows.
- Recognize and describe developmental abnormalities and basic disease processes of teeth and supporting structures on radiographs.
- Explain legal issues related to dental radiography.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- Introduction and history of dental radiography
- Characteristics of radiation
- The dental x-ray machine
- Producing quality radiographs
- Infection control in radiology
- Regulations and legal aspects
- Patient relations and education
- Effects of radiation exposure
- Radiation protection
- Quality assurance in dental radiography
- Intraoral radiographic procedures
- Direct digital radiography systems
- Identification of anatomical landmarks for mounting radiographs
- Mounting and viewing radiographs
- Identifying and correcting faulty radiographs
- Extra-oral radiography
- Panoramic radiography
- Introduction to radiographic interpretation
- Radiographic techniques for children
- Radiographic techniques for the edentulous patient
GRADING POLICY
Grading Scale:
A = 93-100
B = 87 - 92.9
C = 80 - 86.9
D = 77 - 79.9
F = 0 - 76.9
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
|
|
