Dental Radiology Syllabus for 2015-2016
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West Campus Jones Hall 125

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As listed on my office door.

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Course

DHYG-1304-001 Dental Radiology

Prerequisites

Course Description

Fundamentals of oral radiography, including techniques, interpretation, quality assurance and ethics.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Course Textbooks

Students MUST have the current edition of all required textbooks and must bring textbooks to all scheduled lecture and laboratory sessions.

1,  Dental Radiography:  Principles and Techniques, 4th ed., Joen M. Iannucci, Laura Jansen Howerton, W.B. Saunders Company.

2.   Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program Manual  2014 -2015

 

Recommended Course Textbook   (Board Review Book of choice.  Example book listed below)

1. Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene, 7th ed., Michele Darby, Mosby Publishing Company. 

Supplies

Course Supply List

  1. Library Card for AC and/or city library
  2. Computer and Internet Access, printer, print cartridges
  3. Index cards – if preferred for note taking, Sharpie Marker and 1 Pocket

    Student Performance

    Course Rationale:

    A clinically competent dental hygienist must be capable of producing diagnostically acceptable radiographs for interpretation. They must be able to evaluate, recognize and correct errors in radiographic technique. They must be capable of distinguishing abnormal from normal radiographic findings. They must be able to respond to patient's questions about x-radiation in a competent, sensitive manor and convey information to the patient in terms that the patient can easily understand. Practical issues associated with clinical competency in dental radiography: passing the radiology section of the Dental Hygiene National Board, providing diagnostically acceptable radiographs for use during the WREB examination for clinical competency.

     

    ADA Standards that Apply to this Course

    This course is designed to support the student’s development in the knowledge, skills, and values required for graduation from the Program and dental hygiene licensure eligibility. Specifically this course promotes the development of the dental hygienist as defined by the following Educational Standards of the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (ADA CODA), and the Department of Dental Hygiene competency statements.

     

    ADA CODA Educational Standard 2-8b

    Biomedical science content must include content in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, general pathology and/or pathophysiology, nutrition and pharmacology.

    ADA CODA Educational Standard 2-8c

    Dental sciences content must include tooth morphology, head, neck and oral anatomy, oral embryology and histology, oral pathology, radiography, periodontology, pain management, and dental materials.

    ADA CODA Educational Standard 2-8d

    Dental hygiene science content must include oral health education and preventive counseling, health promotion, patient management, clinical dental hygiene, provision of services for and management of patients with special needs, community dental/oral health, medical and dental emergencies, legal and ethical aspects of dental hygiene practice, infection and hazard control management, and the provision of oral health care services to patients with bloodborne infectious diseases.

    ADA CODA Educational Standard 2-12

    Graduates must be competent in providing dental hygiene care for the child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient.DHYG

    ADA CODA Educational Standard 2-13

    Graduated must be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care which includes:

    a. comprehensive collection of patient data to identify the physical and oral health status;

    b. analysis of assessment findings and use of critical thinking in order to address the patient’s dental hygiene treatment needs;

    c. provision of patient-centered treatment and evidence-based care in a manner minimizing risk and optimizing oral health;

    d. complete and accurate recording of all documentation relevant to patient care.

    ADA CODA Educational Standard 2-21

    Graduates must be competent in the application of self-assessment skills to prepare them for life-long learning.

     

    Instructor Objectives for the Course

    Chapter objectives will coordinate with the materials presented in lecture, handouts, reading assignments, and examinations.  Learning the objectives will be required of the student in order to be successful in the completion of the written and practical examinations and in laboratory exercises. Given the course textbooks, personal notes, handouts, and other course materials, the student should:

                1.         Learn the terminology, facts, theories, methods, and principles, associated with

                            dental radiology as outlined in the daily objectives and in the course schedule.

                2.         Apply the knowledge learned to a laboratory simulation or clinical patient.

                3.         Evaluate the learning experiences as measured by the course objectives.

     

    The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed if after evaluated by course instructor, a minimal grade of 75 or greater is earned.

     

    Unit I Objectives:  Chs. 22, 29, 19 & 2

     

    Ch. 22 - Panoramic Imaging

    1.         Be able to define the key words associated with panoramic imaging.

    2.         Describe the purpose and uses of panoramic imaging.

    2.         Describe the fundamentals of panoramic imaging.

    3.         Describe the equipment used in panoramic imaging.

    4.         Describe the patient preparations, equipment preparations, and patient positioning procedures needed before exposing a panoramic projection.

    5.         Identify the patient preparation and positioning errors seen on panoramic images.

    6.         Discuss the causes of patient preparation and positioning errors and the necessary measures needed to correct such errors.

    7.         Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of panoramic imaging.

    Ch. 29 -Normal Anatomy: Panoramic Films

    1.         Identify and describe the bony landmarks of the maxilla and surrounding structures as viewed on the panoramic radiograph.

    2.         Identify and describe the bony landmarks of the mandible and surrounding structures as viewed on the panoramic radiograph.

    3.         Identify air space images as viewed on the panoramic radiograph.

    4.         Identify soft tissue images as viewed on the panoramic radiograph.

     

    Ch. 19 - Bite-Wing Technique

    1.         Describe the purpose and use of the bite-wing film.

    2.         Describe the appearance of opened and overlapped contact areas on a dental radiograph.

    3.         State the basic principles of the bite-wing technique.

    4.         List the two ways a film can be stabilized in the bite-wing technique and identify which one is recommended for bite-wing exposures.

    5.         List the four film sizes that can be used in the bite-wing technique and identify which film             size is recommended for exposures in the adult patient.

    6.         Describe correct and incorrect horizontal angulation.

    7.         Describe the difference between positive and negative vertical angulation.

    8.         State the recommended vertical angulation for all bite-wing exposures.

    9.         State the basic rules for the bite-wing technique.

    10.        Describe the patient and equipment preparations that are necessary before using the bite-wing technique.

    11.        Discuss the exposure sequence for a complete mouth radiographic series (CMRS) that includes both periapical and bite-wing exposures.

    12.        Describe the premolar and molar bite-wing film placements.

    13.        Describe the purpose an use of vertical bite-wings.  List the number of exposures and the size of film used in the vertical bite-wing technique.

     

    Ch. 2 - Radiation Physics

    1.         Be able to define the key words associated with radiation physics.

    2.         Identify the structure of the atom.

    3.         Describe the process of ionization.

    4.         Discuss the difference between radiation and radioactivity.

    5.         Name and define the two types of ionizing radiation.  Give examples of each type.

    6.         Define electromagnetic radiation.  List the common characteristics shared by all energies of the electromagnetic spectrum.

    7.         Explain the properties of velocity, wavelength, and frequency as they are related to the wave concept.

    8.         Define x-radiation.  List the properties of x-radiation. 

    9.         Identify the components of the x-ray machine and explain their functions.

    10.        Be able to label the parts of the dental x-ray tubehead and the dental x-ray tube.

    11.       Describe the step by step process of how dental x-rays are produced.

    12.        Explain the two types of x-rays that are produced in the x-ray tube. 

    13.        Define the terms of primary, secondary, and scatter as they are used to describe x-radiation.

    14.        List and describe the possible interactions of x-rays with matter.

     

    Unit II Objectives: Chs. 3, 4, 5, 1, & 17

     

    Ch. 3 - Radiation Characteristics

    1. Be able to define the key words associated with radiation characteristics.
    2. Describe the effect that the kilovoltage peak has on the quality of the x-ray beam.
    3. Describe how milliamperage influences the quantity of the x-ray beam. 
    4. Identify the range of kilovoltage and milliamperage required for dental radiography.
    5. Describe how increasing and decreasing exposure factors affect the density and contrast of the film.
    6. State the rules governing kilovoltage, milliamperage, distance, and exposure time that are used when changing exposure variables.
    7. Describe how kilovoltage, milliamperage, exposure time, and source-to-film distance influences the intensity of the x-ray beam.
    8. Calculate an example of radiation intensity using the Inverse Square Law.
    9. Explain how the half-value layer determines the penetrating quality of the x-ray beam.

     

    Ch. 4 - Radiation Biology

    1.         Be able to define the key words associated with radiation biology.

    2.         Describe the mechanisms, theories, and sequence of radiation injury.

    3.         Define and discuss the dose-response curve and radiation injury.

    4.         List the determining factors for radiation injury.

    5.         Discuss the short-term and long-term effects, and the somatic and genetic effects of radiation exposure.

    6.         Describe the effects of radiation exposure on cells, tissues, and organs.

    7.         Identify the relative sensitivity of a given tissue to x-radiation.

    8.         Define the units of measurement used in radiation exposure.

    9.         List common sources of radiation exposure.

    10.        Discuss risk and risk estimates for radiation exposure.

    11.        Discuss dental radiation and exposure risks.

    12.        Discuss the risk versus benefit of dental radiographs.

     

    Ch. 5 - Radiation Protection

    1.         Be able to define the key words associated with radiation protection.

    2.         Describe in detail the basics of patient protection prior to x-ray exposure.

    3.         Describe the different types of filtration and state the recommended total filtration for dental x-ray machines operation above and below 70 kVp

    4.         Describe the collimator used in dental x-ray machines and state the recommended diameter of the useful beam at the patient’s skin.

    5.         List six ways to protect the patient from excess radiation during x-ray exposure.

    6.         Describe the importance of film handling the processing after patient exposure to x-rays.

    7.         Discuss operator protection in terms of adequate distance, shielding, and avoidance of the usefulbeam.

    8.         Describe personnel and equipment monitoring devices used to detect radiation.

    9.         Discuss radiation exposure guidelines, including radiation safety legislation, MPD, MAD,            and ALARA.

    10.        Discuss with the dental patient what radiation protection steps will be used before, during, and after x-ray exposure.

     

    Ch. 1 - Radiation History

    1.         Be able to define and differentiate between the basic terms that pertain to dentistry and x-radiation.
    2.         Summarize the importance of dental radiographs.
    3.         Explain the various uses of dental radiographs.
    4.         Summarize the discovery of x-radiation and the pioneers that contributed to its progression in dentistry.
    5.         List the highlights in the history of x-ray equipment, film and dental radiographic techniques.

     

     

    Ch. 17 - Paralleling Technique

    1.         State the basic principle of the paralleling technique and illustrate the placement of the film, film holder, position-indicating device (PID), and central ray.

    2.         Discuss how object-film distance affects the radiographic image and how target-film distance is used to compensate for such changes.

    3.         List the film holders that can be used with the paralleling technique.

    4.         Describe why a film holder is necessary with the paralleling technique.

    5.         Describe the different sizes of film used with the paralleling technique and how each film is placed in the bite-block.

    6.         State the five basic rules of the paralleling technique.

    7.         Describe the patient and equipment preparations that are necessary before using the paralleling technique.

    8.         Discuss the exposure sequence for 15 periapical film placements using the paralleling technique.

    9.         Describe each of the 15 periapical film placements recommended for use with the XCP instruments.

    10.        Summarize the guidelines for periapical film positioning.

    11.        Explain the modifications in the paralleling technique that are used for a patient with a shallow palate, bony growths, or a sensitive premolar region.

    12.        List the advantages and disadvantages of the paralleling technique.

     

    Unit III Objectives:  Chs. 27, 7, 8, 9 & 10

     

    Ch. 27 - Normal Anatomy: Intraoral Films

    1.         Define the key terms associated with normal anatomy on intraoral images.

    2.         State the difference between cortical and cancellous bone.

    3.         Define the general terms that describe prominences, spaces, and depressions in bone.

    4.         Identify and describe the normal anatomic landmarks of the maxilla on a human skull.

    5.         Identify and describe the normal anatomic landmarks of the maxilla on dental radiographs.

    6.         Identify and describe the normal anatomic landmarks of the mandible on a human skull.

    7.         Identify and describe the normal anatomic landmarks of the mandible on dental radiographs.

    8.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of tooth anatomy.

    9.         Identify each normal radiographic landmark of the maxilla and mandible as either radiolucent or radiopaque.

    10.        Identify each normal anatomic landmark of a tooth as radiolucent or radiopaque.

     

    Ch. 7 - Dental X-ray Film

    1.         Describe in detail film composition and latent image formation.

    2.         List and describe the different types of x-ray film used in dentistry.

    3.         Define intraoral film and describe intraoral film packaging.

    4.         Identify the types and sizes of intraoral film available.

    5.         Discuss film speed.

    6.         Discuss the differences between intraoral film and extraoral film.

    7.         Describe the difference between screen and nonscreen films.

    8.         Describe the use of intensifying screens and cassettes.

    9.         Describe duplicating film.

    10.        Discuss proper film storage and protection.

     

    Ch. 8 - Dental X-ray Image Characteristics

    1. Differentiate between radiolucent and radiopaque areas on a dental radiograph.
    2. Describe a diagnostic dental radiograph.
    3. List the two visual characteristics of the radiographic image.
    4. List the factors that influence film density and contrast.
    5. Discuss the difference between high and low contrast.
    6. Describe film contrast and subject contrast.
    7. Describe the difference between short-scale and long-scale contrast.
    8. Identify images of high contrast, low contrast, no contrast, short-scale contrast, and long-scale contrast.
    9. Describe a stepwedge.
    10. List the three geometric characteristics of the radiographic image.
    11. List the factors that influence sharpness, magnification, and distortion

     

    Ch. 9 - Dental X-ray film Processing

    1.         Describe in detail how a latent image becomes a visible image.

    2.         List and discuss the five steps of film processing.

    3.         List and describe the four basic ingredients of the developer solution.

    4.         List and describe the four basic ingredients of the fixer solution.

    5.         Discuss the location, size, lighting, and equipment requirements necessary for the darkroom.

    6.         Discuss safelighting.

    7.         Discuss the parts of the processing tanks, master tank, and lid.

    8.         List and describe the equipment needed for manual film processing.

    9.         List and discuss the step-by-step procedures for manual film processing.

    10.        Describe the care and maintenance of the processing solutions, equipment, and equipment accessories used in manual film processing.

    11.        Discuss the advantages of automatic film processing.

    12.        List and identify the component parts of the automatic film processor.

    13.        Describe the mechanism of automatic film processing.

    14.        List and discuss the step-by-step procedures used for automatic film processing.

    15.        Describe the care and maintenance of the automatic film processor and automatic processing solutions.

    16.        Discuss the equipment requirements and step-by-step procedures used for film duplication.

    17.        Describe film processing problems that result from time and temperature errors.

    18.        Describe film processing problems that result from chemical contamination errors.

    19.        Describe film processing problems that result from film handling errors.

    20.        Describe film processing problems that result from lighting errors.

     

    Ch. 10 - Quality Assurance in the Dental Office

    1.         List quality control tests and quality administration procedures that should be included in             the quality assurance plan.

    2.         Discuss the purpose and frequency of testing dental x-ray machines.

    3.         Describe the tests used to check for fresh film and adequate film-screen contact.  Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.

    4.         Describe the test used to check for darkroom light leaks and proper safelighting.  Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.

    5.         Describe the test used to check the automatic processor.  Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.

    6.         List three tests used to check the strength of the developer solution.

    7.         Describe the preparation of the reference radiograph and the standard stepwedge radiograph.  Discuss the use of these radiographs to compare film densities and to monitor the strength of developer solution.

    8.         Describe the test used to check the strength of the fixer.  Discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.

    9.         Discuss the basic elements of a quality administration plan.

    10.        Detail the importance of operator competence in dental radiographic procedures.

     

    Unit IV Objectives: Chs. 20, 28, 21, 18, & 23    

     

    Ch. 20 - Exposure and technique Errors

    1.         Identify and describe the appearance of the following film exposure errors: unexposed film, film exposed to light, underexposed film, and overexposed film.

    2.         Describe horizontal and vertical angulation.

    3.         Identify and describe the appearance of the following periapical technique errors: incorrect horizontal angulation, incorrect vertical angulation (foreshortened images and elongated images), and incorrect beam alignment (cone-cut images).

    4.         Describe and identify proper film placement for bite-wing radiographs.

    5.         Identify and describe the appearance of the following bite-wing technique errors:             incorrect horizontal angulation, incorrect vertical angulation, and incorrect position-indicating device (PID) alignment (cone-cut images).

    6.         Identify and describe the appearance of the following miscellaneous technique errors: film bending, film creasing, phalangioma, double exposure, movement, and reversed film.

     

    Ch. 28 - Film Mounting and Viewing

    1.            Define the key terms listed.

    2.            List the individuals who are qualified to mount and view dental radiographs.

    3.            Describe when and where films are mounted.

    4.            List five reasons to use a film mount.

    5.            Describe what information is placed on a film mount.

    6.            Discuss the importance of normal anatomy in film mounting.

    7.            Describe how the identification dot is used to determine film orientation.

    8.            List and describe two methods of film mounting and identify the preferred method.

    9.            List and describe the step-by-step procedures for film mounting.

    10.          List and describe the necessary equipment for film viewing.

    11.          Discuss the importance of masking extraneous view box light seen around a film mount.

    12.          Describe optimal viewing conditions, as well as when and where films should be viewed.

    13.          Explain the importance of examining films in an established viewing sequence.

    14.          List and describe the step-by-step procedures for film viewing.

    15.          Explain why multiple viewings of dental radiographs are necessary, and list the areas, diseases, and abnormalities that must be included in the examinations

     

    Ch. 21 - Occlusal and Localization Techniques

    1.         Describe the purpose of the occlusal examination.

    2.         List the uses of the occlusal examination.

    3.         Describe the patient and equipment preparations necessary prior to using the occlusal technique.

    4.         State the recommended vertical angulations for the following maxillary occlusal projections: topographic, lateral (right or left), and pediatric.

    5.         State the recommended vertical angulations for the following mandibular occlusal projections: topographic, cross-sectional, and pediatric.

    6.         State the purpose of localization techniques.

    7.         Describe the buccal object rule.

    8.         Describe the right-angle technique.

    9.         List the patient and equipment preparations that are necessary prior to using the buccal object rule or the right-angle technique.

    10.        Describe the film placements for the buccal object rule and compare the resulting radiographs.

    11.        Describe the film placements for the right-angle technique and compare the resulting radiographs.

     

    Ch. 18 - Bisecting Technique

    1.         State the rule of isometry.

    2.         State the basic principles of the bisecting technique and illustrate the location of the film,            tooth imaginary bisector, central ray, and position-indicating device (PID).

    3.         List the film holders that can be used with the bisecting technique.

    4.         Describe the finger-holding method of film stabilization.

    5.         List the disadvantages of the finger-holding method.

    6.         Describe the film size used with the bisecting technique.

    7.         Describe correct and incorrect horizontal angulation.

    8.         Describe correct and incorrect vertical angulation.

    9.         State each of the recommended vertical angulation ranges used for periapical exposures in the bisecting technique.

    10.        State the basic rules of the bise

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