Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/14/99
DAE117 19936-20006	LEC	2 Credit(s)	2 Period(s)
Oral Radiography
Physics of radiography, theory of radiation production, exposure techniques, radiation protection, film processing, mounting, and interpretation of radiographs. Prerequisites: (Admission to the Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene Program) or permission of instructor.
Cross-References: DHE117

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
DAE117   19936-20006	Oral Radiography

1.	State the rationale and technique for exposing interproximal radiographs. (I)
2.	Describe infection control procedures to follow to maintain optimum asepsis while exposing and processing radiographs. (I)
3.	Describe the fundamental principles of exposure techniques relating to radiographic film, X-rays, and oral structures. (II)(XI)
4.	Describe the basic principles of paralleling, bisection, and mixed techniques of exposing periapical radiographs. (III) (IV) (V)
5.	Evaluate processed radiographs to determine whether they are of acceptable or unacceptable quality, and identify any procedural errors and explain how they can be corrected. (VI)
6.	Describe how to assess a patient's oral anatomy in order to expose theproper number of radiographs, using the appropriate size film and proper technique. (VII)
7.	Identify the fundamental characteristics of radiation as related to the atom and its parts, and explain natural, background, electromagnetic, and ionizing radiation. (VIII)
8.	Identify the parts and components of the X-ray machine and describe the principles of its operation. (IX)
9.	Explain the inverse square law and its relationship to X-radiation. (X)
10.	Identify intraoral and extraoral anatomical landmarks on periapical, interproximal, and panoramic radiographs or slides of radiographs in order to mount and interpret them accurately. (XII)
11.	Identify pathological and atypical conditions, including dental anomalies, when seen on radiographs or slides of radiographs. (XII)
12.	Describe the composition, types, uses, and storage of the various typesof dental X-ray films. (XIII)
13.	Describe the fundamental procedures of film processing, including darkroom procedures and processing equipment. (XIV)
14.	Describe the biological effects of radiation. (XV)
15.	Describe radiation safety protocol for the operator and the patient. (XV)
16.	Explain the radiation monitoring procedures used to assess the general effects of radiation exposure and biological damage. (XV)
17.	Explain procedures for exposing radiographs on pediatric and edentulous patients. (XVI) (XVII)
18.	Describe the purpose and techniques for exposing accessory radiographs. (XVIII)
19.	Describe the purpose and technique for exposing panoramic radiographs. (XIX)
20.	Explain how radiographs can be used as legal evidence. (XX)
21.	Identify the key historical figures in dental radiography. (XXI)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
DAE117   19936-20006	Oral Radiography

I. Interproximal Radiographs A. Terminology B. Technique 1. Film position--premolar exposure and molar exposure 2. PID placement--horizontal and vertical angulation 3. Patient position 4. Criteria for diagnostic interproximal film 5. Film holders 6. Mounting C. Operator and patient protection 1. Radiation protection 2. Asepsis/infection control II. Exposure Techniques A. Basic rules B. Relationship to bisecting and paralleling technique III. Paralleling Technique A. Theory B. Technique 1. Film position--anterior exposures and posterior exposures 2. PID placement--horizontal and vertical angulation 3. Patient position 4. Criteria for diagnostic periapical film 5. Use of various film holders 6. Mounting of periapical films 7. Advantages/disadvantages of paralleling technique IV. Bisection Technique A. Terminology B. Theory C. Technique 1. Film position--anterior exposures and posterior exposures 2. PIC placement--horizontal and vertical angulation and points of entry 3. Patient position 4. Criteria for diagnostic periapical film 5. Use of various film-holding instruments 6. Anatomic considerations 7. Advantages/disadvantages of bisection technique V. Mixed Technique A. Theory B. Advantages over paralleling and bisection techniques VI. Radiograph Evaluation A. Acceptable vs. non-acceptable films 1. Identification of procedureal errors from radiographs, slides or illustrations 2. Methods to correct procedural errors B. Grading/Evaluation procedures VII. Patient Evaluation A. Oral conditions 1. Anatomical considerations 2. Pathological considerations B. Patient management VIII. Characteristics of Radiation A. Structure of atom and its parts B. Natural, background, and electromagnetic radiation C. Properties of X-rays D. Ionization E. Bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation F. Wavelength and penetrating power G. Kilovoltage and milliamperage IX. Components and Operation of X-Ray Machine A. Control panel B. Principles of operation 1. Anode 2. Cathode 3. Cathode stream 4. Thermionic emission 5. Focusing cup 6. Target 7. Focal spot 8. aperture (port) 9. Kilovoltage 10. Collimater 11. Filter 12. milliamperage 13. Alternating current X. Inverse Square Law A. Theory B. Target-surface distance C. Target-film distance XI. Radiographic Terms A. Filtration/collimation B. Contrast/density C. Detail/definition D. Effect on final film quality XII. Intraoral and Extraoral Anatomical Landmarks A. Radiolucent/radiopaque B. Interpretation vs. diagnosis C. Landmarks of dentition D. Landmarks of bone, periodontal tissues E. Maxillary anatomical landmarks F. Mandibular anatomical landmarks G. Skull landmarks H. Pathology/restorative materials 1. Abnormal and atypical 2. Caries 3. Periodontal pathology 4. Apical pathology I. Identification of landmarks from slides, illustrations, and radiographs XIII. X-Ray Film A. Composition B. Film speed C. Direct and indirect exposure film D. Screen and non-screen film E. Cassettes F. Duplicating and panoramic film G. Film protection and storage H. Sizes XIV. Film Processing A. Latent image formation B. Fundamentals of film processing C. Developing process--time-termperature processor and automatic processor D. Identification as processing errors from radiographs, illustrations, and slides E. Purposes of chemicals in developer and fixer solutions F. Quality control in processing G. Correction of processing errors XV. Biological Effects of Radiation A. REview of electromagnetic spectrum and ionizing radiation B. Somatic cells and genetic cells C. Cumulative effect D. Theories of biological effect mechanisms 1. Direct-hit theory 2. Indirect action theory E. Cell sensitivity to radiation exposure--radiosensitive, radioresistant F. Ionization principles G. Dose response curve--threshold and non-threshold response H. ALARA concept I. Factors that determine radiation injury J. Effects of dental radiography, oral radiation therapy K. Units of radiation measurement 1. Roentgen, rad, rem 2. Gray, sievert L. Terminology used in radiation protection M. Secondary scatter radiation N. Protection measures O. Monitoring devices XVI. Pedodontic Films A. Suggested ages for full-mouth series B. Techniques C. Patient management XVII. Edentulous Films A. Techniques B. Modifications in techniques XVIII. Accessory Films A. Technique and purposes of 1. Topographical occlusal 2. Cross-sectional occlusal 3. Distal/oblique 4. Panoramic films 5. Duplication XIX. Panoramic Films A. Terminology B. Technique and purpose XX. Legal Evidence A. Property of dentist B. Informed consent XXI. Historical Figures in Dental Radiography

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