1. Dental Assisting Radiology
Introduction and Protection

2. Radiation- a form of energy carried by waves or a stream of particles

3. X-Radiation- a high energy of radiation produced by the collision of a beam of electrons with a metal target in the x-ray tube.

4. X-Ray- a beam of energy that has the power to penetrate substances and record image shadows on photographic film.

5. Radiology- The science or study of radiation.
Radiograph-a picture or image on film produced by the passage of x-ray through an object or body (also called xray film).

6. Dental radiograph- photographic image produced on film by the passage of xrays through teeth and related structures.

7. What is the importance of xrays?
Detection of dental caries, periodontal disease, growth patterns and development as well as the eruption of teeth

8. Radiation Biology
The study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissue to understand the harmful effects of x- radiation.

9. Radiation Protection

10. Patient Protection X-radiation causes biologic changes in living cells
Minimize the amount of radiation received by the patient, using proper protection techniques
Use before, during, after exposure

11. BEFORE Prescribing dental radiographs
Always review the health history of a patient prior to exposing x-rays.
Dentist uses professional judgment re:
Number
Type
Frequency
Each patient’s condition is different

12. Patient Protection
Lead Apron- lead shield over patient’s chest and lap to protect the reproductive and blood forming tissues from scatter radiation.
Thyroid collar- lead shield around Patient’s neck

13. Lead Aprons/Thyroid Collars
With Thyroid Collar Attached
No Thyroid Collar

14. Lead Apron Storage
When not in use, lead aprons should be hung for storage.
They should never be folded because this could lead to cracks in the lead, decreasing the protection to the patient.

15. During Use fast film and film holders
Fast film- D.E.F. F being the fastest
Film holding device- so patient doesn’t have to hold film

16. After Exposure Proper Film Handling Proper Film Processing
Careful handling during the period from exposure to processing
Avoid artifacts (scratches, etc) that will result in nondiagnostic films
Proper Film Processing
Use fresh solutions and proper methods
Avoid retakes

17. Operator Protection
The Guidelines for the dental radiographer are based on the following rule:
The dental radiographer must avoid the primary beam.
Operator protection guidelines include recommendations on
Distance
Shielding
Positioning

18. Radiation Safety Legislation
State and federal regulations set the standards of protection for the operator and patient.
All x-ray machines need to be registered, examined and issued a certification. ONLY certified people can operate a x-ray machine

19. The operator should stand
a minimum of 6 feet from the patient
at an angle of degrees from the patient.
- Or behind a barrier wass

20. Protective Barriers
Most dental offices achieve adequate shielding through the use of several layers of thickness of common materials such as drywall.

21. Radiation monitoring badges- monitors the amount of radiation the operator is receiving
Maximum Dose- 5.0 occupational
.1 non occupational

22. Final Operator Protection
Never hold the film in place for a patient.
Never hold the tubehead during exposure.

23. Radiation Monitoring
Dosimeter/ Film Badge – Is used to record any radiation which may be received by the operator.
Each operator has his/her own badge;
worn during the workday
when in the clinical area
Worn at waist level
Stored in radiation-safe area when not in use.

24. ALARA concept All exposure to radiation must be kept to a minimum:
“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”
Use every possible method of reducing exposure to radiation to minimize risk
This includes the use of minimum exposure time in combination with the fastest film available.