May 06, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

DENT 118 - Dental Radiography


PREREQUISITES: DENT 115 - Preclinical Practice I and II  (or DENT 113 - Preclinical Practice I  and DENT 114 - Preclinical Practice II ) and DENT 123 - Dental Anatomy  
PROGRAM: Dental Assisting
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 4
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
LAB HOURS MIN: 4
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall, 2018

This is an in-depth course that focuses on the principles, benefits, effects, and control of X-ray production. Covers history, radiation sources, modern dental radiographic equipment and techniques, anatomical landmarks, dental films and processing. Emphasizes avoidance of errors while exposing and processing dental radiographs. The Radiation Health and Safety component of the Dental Assisting National Board exam and the fee for this exam is assessed upon enrollment in the course.

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

  1. Name the pioneers of radiography and identify their contribution.
  2. Identify the major components of an X-ray unit and describe the function of each.
  3. List the characteristics of radiation.
  4. Explain radiation safety measures that are required by legal standards.
  5. Describe the effects of radiation exposure and its relationship to radiation safety.
  6. Produce films with sufficient density, definition, and contrast to be diagnostic to a dentist.
  7. Practice infection control and quality assurance procedures.
  8. Differentiate between the periapical, bitewing, occlusal and panoramic imaging.
  9. Identify the anatomical landmarks required for mounting procedures.
  10. Expose, process, evaluate for quality, mount and file radiographs taken during the course of study on a mannequin and live patient.
  11. Perform a preliminary interpretation of all X-ray film surveys for the purpose of correcting flawed X-ray films.
  12. Explain the necessity for patient education in radiography.
  13. Discuss the procedures for managing the wheelchair, visually and hearing impaired and apprehensive patients.
  14. Discuss the fundamental concepts, advantages and disadvantages of digital radiography.
  15. Interpret anatomical landmarks, restorations, and basic pathology on radiographic images.


COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -  

  • Bitewing examination
  • Managing patients with special needs
  • Characteristics of radiation
  • Mounting and viewing dental radiographs
  • Dental caries
  • Normal radiographic anatomy
  • Dental x-ray films
  • Occlusal examination
  • Dental x-ray film processing
  • Panoramic radiography
  • Dental x-ray machine-components and functions
  • Patient relations and education
  • Digital radiography
  • Periapical examination
  • Effects of radiation exposure
  • Periodontal disease
  • Extraoral radiography
  • Producing quality radiographs
  • History of dental radiography
  • Quality assurance in dental radiographs
  • Identifying and correcting faulty radiographs
  • Radiation protection
  • Infection control
  • Radiography techniques for children
  • Intraoral radiographic procedures
  • Regulations and legal aspects
  • Introduction to radiographic interpretation
  • Radiography techniques for the edentulous patient

 
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)