Dental Radiology in the Clinic Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

DNTA-1249-001 Dental Radiology in the Clinic

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DNTA 1205

Course Description

The practical application of exposing, processing and mounting diagnostically acceptable dental radiographs obtained by utilizing various radiographic techniques.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Textbook

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

Supplies

Course Supply List

Pens and Pencils

Computer or Internet Access for BlackBoard (Home, Public Library, AC Computer Lab)

Electronic Device to access E-Books; example, Kindle, IPad, Laptop

Dosimeter

1 Gallon Zip Bag

1 Folder/ Binder

Proper clinical attire is required. Students will need to review BlackBoard Announcements and the course outline for specific duties of each class period. Most classes will need RINN and other radiology related items including the current textbook.

Student Performance

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.

Course Objectives

Ch. 14 - Legal Issues and the Dental Radiographer

1.            Define the key terms associated with legal issues.

2.            List the federal and state regulations affecting the use of dental x-ray equipment.

3.            Describe the general application of federal and state regulations as they affect the dental auxiliary.

4.            Describe the licensure requirements for exposing dental radiographs.

5.            Define the legal concept of informed consent.

6.            Describe how to obtain informed consent from a patient.

7.            Discuss the legal significance of the dental record.

8.            Describe the legal implications of patient refusal to have dental x-radiation.

9.            Discuss how confidentiality laws affect the information in the dental record.

10.          Describe the patient’s rights with regard to the dental record.

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.

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 bisecting technique.

11.        Describe the patient and equipment preparations necessary prior to using the bisecting technique.

12.        Discuss the exposure sequence used for the 14 periapical film placements used in the bisecting technique.

13.        Describe each of the 14 periapical film placements recommended for use with the bisecting technique.

14.        List the advantages and disadvantages of the bisecting technique.

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. 24 - Imaging of Patients with Special Needs

1.         List the areas of the oral cavity that are most likely to elicit the gag reflex when stimulated.

2.         List two precipitating factors responsible for initiating the gag reflex.

3.         Describe how to control the gag reflex using operator attitude, patient and equipment preparations, exposure sequencing, film placement and technique, and helpful hints.

4.         Describe common physical disabilities and what modifications in technique may be necessary during the radiographic examination.

5.         Describe common developmental disabilities and what modifications in technique may be necessary during the radiographic examination.

6.         List helpful hints that can be used when treating a person with a disability.

7.         Describe the prescribing of dental radiographs, patient and equipment preparations, recommended techniques, and patient management as they pertain to the pediatric dental patient.

8.         Describe the use of the dental radiograph, film placement modifications, and recommended periapical technique during root canal procedures.

9.         Describe the purposes of the radiographic examination in the edentulous patient.

10.        List and describe the three types of radiographic examination that may be used for the edentulous patient

 Ch. 25 - Digital Radiography

1.         Describe the purpose and use of digital imaging.

2.         Describe the fundamentals of digital imaging.

3.         List and describe the equipment used in digital imaging.

4.         List and describe the three types of digital imaging.

5.         Describe the patient and equipment preparations required for digital imaging.

6.         List and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of digital imaging.

 Ch 26 - Three-Dimensional Digital Imaging

1.         Describe the purpose and uses of three-dimensional digital imaging.

2.         Describe the equipment used in three-dimensional digital imaging.

3.         Detail the equipment and patient preparation necessary prior to exposure to x-radiation using the three-dimensional digital imaging.

4.         Identify advantages and disadvantages of three-dimensional digital imaging.

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.

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 viewbox 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. 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. 30- Introduction to Image Interpretation

1.         Summarize the importance of radiographic interpretation.

2.         Define the roles of the dentist and dental auxiliary in the interpretation of dental radiographs.

3.         Discuss the difference between interpretation and diagnosis.

4.         Describe who is able to interpret dental radiographs.

5.         Describe when and where dental radiographs are interpreted.

6.         Describe how radiographic interpretation can be used to educate the dental patient about the importance and use of dental radiographs.

 Ch. 31 - Descriptive Terminology

1.         Identify the categories of information that should be documented for all lesions viewed radiographically.

2.         Define descriptive terminology and describe why the dental professional should use descriptive terms.

3.         Define the terms radiograph, x-ray, radiolucent, and radiopaque.

4.         Differentiate between radiograph and x-ray.

5.         Differentiate between radiolucent and radiopaque.

6.         Define the terms unilocular and multilocular.

7.         Define periapical, inter-radicular, edentulous zone, pericoronal, and alveolar bone loss.

8.         Identify radiolucent lesions on a radiograph in terms of appearance, location, and size.

9.         Define focal opacity, target lesion, multifocal confluent, irregular/ill-defined, ground glass, mixed lucentopaque, and soft tissue opacity.

10.        Identify radiopaque lesions on a radiograph in terms of appearance, location, and size.

Ch. 32 - Identification of Restorations, Dental Materials, and Foreign Objects

1.         Discuss the importance of interpreting radiographs while the patient is present.

2.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of the following restorations: amalgam, gold, stainless steel and chrome, post and core, porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, composite, and acrylic.

3.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of the following dental materials and devices: base materials, metallic pins, gutta percha, silver points, removable partial dentures, complete dentures, orthodontic bands, brackets and wires, fixed retainers, implants, suture wires, splints, and stabilizing arches and wires.

4.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of the following miscellaneous objects: jewelry, eyeglasses, and patient napkin chains.

 Ch. 33 - Interpretation of Dental Caries

1.         Describe dental caries.

2.         Explain why caries appears radiolucent on a dental radiograph.

3.         Discuss interpretation tips for evaluating caries on a dental radiograph.

4.         Discuss the factors that may influence the radiographic interpretation of dental caries.

5.         Detail the radiographic classification of caries.

6.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of the following: incipient, moderate, advanced, and severe interproximal caries.

7.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of the following: incipient, moderate, and severe occlusal caries.

8.         Identify and describe the radiographic appearance of the following: buccal, lingual, root surface, recurrent, and rampant caries.

 Ch. 34 - Interpretation of Periodontal Disease

1.         Describe the healthy periodontium.

2.         Briefly describe periodontal disease.

3.         Discuss the importance of the clinical and radiographic examinations in the diagnosis of periodontal disease.

4.         Describe the limitations of radiographs in the detection of periodontal disease.

5.         Describe the type of radiographs that should be used to document periodontal disease and the preferred exposure technique.

6.         State the difference between horizontal and vertical bone loss.

7.         State the difference between localized and generalized bone loss.

8.         State the differences among mild, moderate, and severe bone loss.

9.         List each of the four American Dental Association (ADA) case types and describe the corresponding radiographic appearance.

10.        Recognize each of the four ADA case types on dental radiographs.

11.        List two predisposing factors for periodontal disease.

12.        Recognize and describe the radiographic appearance of calculus.

 Ch. 35 - Interpretation of Trauma and Pulpal and Periapical Lesions

1.         Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of crown, root, and jaw fractures.

2.         Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of an avulsion.

3.         Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of internal and external resorption.

4.         Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of pulpal sclerosis, pulpal obliteration, and pulp stones.

5.         Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of a periapical granuloma, cyst, and abscess.

6.         Describe and identify the radiographic appearance of condensing osteitis, sclerotic bone, and hypercementosis.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to be on time and prepared for the days lesson. Each student must demonstrate respect for instructors and other classmates. A grade is given for professionalism. Each student will be given a handout on the first day of class that outlines what professionalism is for the Dental Assisting Program.

 

"Amarillo College expects a high standard of conduct from it's students. Students are expected to comply with the law, respect proper constitutiional authority, obey College policies, rules and regulations. Unacceptable conduct is defined as an action or behavior that is contrary to the best interest of a fellow student of students, the faculty or staff, the College, or the teaching/learning process. Students failing to  perform according to established standards may be subject to disciplinary action. Policies, standards, rules, and regulations apply to students attending College activities whether the activity taqkes place on or off campus.

Each student shall be responsible for becoming knowledgeable of the contents and provisions of College policies, rules and regulations concerning student conduct .  In some cases, individual programs may have approved policies for student conduct which also apply to student conduct in those programs."

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order:  (1) Instructor  (2)  Program Director  (3)  Dean of Health Sciences Division  (4)  Vice President of Academic Affairs and  (5) College President

 

Professional Standards

For maximum learning to occur, the student is expected ti demonstrate professional conduct and judgment at all times. A violation of professional or ethical standard may result in a zero for the day as well as the student being sent home with an absence. The following are examples which are considered professional standards. These are representative examples and may not be all inclusive.

1. Student is prompt to class.

2. Student is prepared for class sessions.

3. Student assumes responsibility for his/her own learning.

4. Student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting the minimal criteria.

5. Student applies lecture material in the clinical setting.

6. Student will seek faculty assistance if needed, and will monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.

7. Student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.

8. Student exhibits an attitude  of respect for classmates, faculty, and staff.

9. Student will not be disruptive or talk to each other during lectures, slide presentations, guest lectures, etc. Should this occur, the student will be asked to leave the classroom immediately.

Failure to adhere to the above standards, will result in remediation and be reflected in the grade for the course in which the inappropriate conduct is displayed. 

Infection Control

“The Dental Assisting Program is committed to utilizing the most current research and technology to maintain an infection control program that is practical while meeting regulatory requirements. The policy for infection control procedures must be followed in strict compliance for the protection of patients, students, faculty, and staff from the transmission of disease or the spread of blood borne pathogens. All dental assisting students, faculty, and staff have the responsibility and ethical duty to comply with the infection control procedures".

Grading Criteria

Lecture Examinations and Quizzes

Students will be given 3 lecture examinations and several quizzes throughout the course. Exams and Quizzes will be objective in nature (true/false and multiple choice) as well as subjective (short answer, fill in the blank, and essay).

Laboratory Assignments

Students will complete several laboratory assignments throughout the course. Specific instructions and grading rubrics will be given for each assignment and located on the grading forms.

Laboratory Competency

Students will be required to complete Competency Examinations in the Lab. These Examinations will assess the student’s ability to competently acquire radiographic images on a manikin prior to exposing live patients. The following grading rubric is used for competency evaluations.

Letter Grade A demonstrates a “Mastery Level” of Competence. Letter grade B demonstrates “Competence” with need for remediation. Letter grade C or below will require remediation and re-testing. A minimum level of Competency must be obtained in order to complete this skills assessment. 93-100=A; 83-92=B; 75-82=C

Clinical Radiographic Assignments

The Student will be required to complete several radiographic assignments during clinical rotations. Each assignment is meant to provide the student an opportunity to apply the radiographic skills obtained in the laboratory and lecture portion of this course in a clinical setting. Specific instructions and grading rubrics for each assignment will be provided in class.

Please note that instructor reserves the right to not accept assignments submitted past the due date. If the assignment is accepted past the due date, a reduction in the grade could result. Screen shots and pictures of completed work will not be accepted.

Grading Criteria

Major Exams                    30%

Quizzes                           5%

Laboratory Assignments    30%

Lab Competency               25%

Clinical Assignments         10%

The following grading scale will be used for all Dental Assisting courses:

A = 93 to 100

B = 83 to 92

C = 75 to 82

F = Below 75

 

In order to be fair to students who are present and perform the required tasks and because of time restraints, most missed work, especially live and clinical work can not be made up. Lab and  assignments involve the use of a partner. Without you they can not perform their assignments. Live assignments involve the use of a patient and we have to respect the time they have volunteered for your assignment.

Missed written exams maybe made up on the designated "make-up" days. These dates will be given at the start of the class. In order to be fair to the students who take the exam at the scheduled time, make-up exams will lose 5% of their original value. Please note that make-up exams will cover the same material as the original exam, however, it may not be the exact same exam.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Due to the amount of information contained in this course, the student who plans to succeed should attend all course sessions regularly and promptly. The student will need to come to class on time, fully prepared for that session, with the necessary materials. There may be times when it is impossible to attend class due to illness or an emergency, but this course covers so much information in class that an absence can get the student behind and thus, miss some vital questions on an exam. In order to be fair, there is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence. You may have up to 3 (three) absences in this class without affecting your grade. The 4th (fourth) absence will reduce the overall grade by 10 points. Missing 5 class periods is equal to missing 1/3rd of the semester and thus, 1/3rd of the vital skills for your chosen profession.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course calendar to meet the course objectives.