Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 74A
Dental Radiography I

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 12/28/2016

Catalog Description:

DHYG 74A - Dental Radiography I

3.00 Units

Introduction to principles of radiography, radiation safety, operation of x-ray equipment, infection control procedures and hazardous waste maintenance. Practice in placement and technique for diagnostic images.
Prerequisite: current enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program
CB03: TOP Code 1240.20 - Dental Hygienist*
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 54.00 0.00 54.00
Total 3.00 90.00 72.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. communicate the development of radiography in dentistry and its current application in the modern dental office;
  2. identify the relationship of radiology with diagnosis, treatment planning, and other phases of dental practice;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of:
    a. characteristics and properties of x-radiation;
    b. the factors and circumstances necessary for x-ray production;
  4. distinguish the primary components of a simplified x-ray unit and how they function to affect the x-ray beam;
  5. analyze density, contrast, and definition as they relate to image quality;
  6. communicate compensating techniques for changes in exposure factors that affect density, contrast, and definition;
  7. assess the biological effect of any dose of radiation, recognize x-radiation units, and define the following terms:
    a. ionization;
    b. Roentgen;
    c. rad;
    d. exposure;
    e. Dose;
    f. Rem;
    g. Curie;
    h. Gray;
    i. Sievert;
  8. apply the principles of radiological health and be conversant about basic principles of radiation protection, inclusive of radiographic selection criteria;
  9. identify currently-acceptable methods for reducing x-radiation exposure of the patient and occupationally-exposed dental office personnel;
  10. analyze the critical organ concept and communicate the rationale of the maximum permissible dose (MPD) limits;
  11. assess somatic, genetic, and carcinogenic effects of radiation exposure;
  12. demonstrate monitoring personnel and maintaining records for exposure to radiation;
  13. identify the guidelines for structural shielding, barriers and materials, location of equipment;
  14. communicate the procedure for reporting an overexposure incident;
  15. apply geometric principles for accurate image formation, analyzing and interpreting factors causing distortion;
  16. demonstrate appropriate intraoral radiographic techniques in film placement, PID angulation and selection of exposure factors;
  17. produce full mouth radiographic surveys for adult dentulous patients presenting simple management problems;
  18. identify and demonstrate the protocol for disinfection of equipment and aseptic technique;
  19. communicate the criteria as it relates to patient selection, appropriate survey options, film selection and supervision protocol;
  20. analyze and compare interproximal and periapical surveys as they relate to:
    a. purpose and scope of examination;
    b. intraoral techniques; parallel vs. bisecting angle;
  21. properly mount and label all radiographs;
  22. evaluate all radiographs in terms of technical quality, accuracy and clinical acceptability;
  23. evaluate all radiographic errors (technical and processing) and describe the best methods for correcting them;
  24. identify a variety of film sizes and their application;
  25. identify the component parts of x-ray film and discuss latent image formation;
  26. communicate purpose of double packet film utilization;
  27. communicate the essential items of darkroom equipment;
  28. communicate the rationale of daily tank and solution care and maintenance;
  29. identify the mechanical components and operation of automatic processors;
  30. communicate the relationship between latent image formation and processing procedures;
  31. demonstrate film processing procedures, including infection control protocols;
  32. identify principal chemical components of processing solutions, and describe functions of each component on exposed and unexposed portions of the film;
  33. identify major types of processing errors and identify potential cause and appropriate remedy;
  34. analyze the essential differences between hand and automatic film processing, and communicate advantages and disadvantages of each;
  35. identify procedures, tests, and records necessary to maintain an effective radiographic quality assurance program;
  36. demonstrate the proper viewing environment and list various viewing aids;
  37. analyze radiolucencies versus radiopacities as they relate to interpretation skills;
  38. demonstrate use of proper descriptive terminology;
  39. recognize the normal radiographic appearance of developing and mature teeth and their supporting tissues;
  40. recognize the radiographic appearance of maxillary and mandibular anatomic landmarks;
  41. identify dental caries and be familiar with common errors in interpretation;
  42. recognize radiographic appearance of common temporary and permanent restorations made from metallic, synthetic, and porcelain restorative materials, in addition to materials used as bases and luting agents;
  43. recognize common deficiencies in proximal restorations, including contour, overhanging and deficient margins, broken restorations;
  44. assess the limitations and benefits of radiographs in periodontal disease interpretation;
  45. interpret radiographic changes associated with:
    a. crestal irregularities;
    b. bone loss: direction, location, amount;
    c. local irritants such as calculus and faulty restorations;
    d. malposition of teeth;
  46. identify the following conditions radiographically:
    a. microdontia and macrodontia;
    b. germination, fusion and concrescence;
    c. anomalies in tooth structure;
    d. supernumerary roots;
    e. dilaceration;
    f. anodontia;
    g. supernumerary teeth;
    h. drift and migration;
    i. transposition;
    j. impaction;
    k. delayed eruption;
    l. tori;
    m. exostosis;
    n. attrition;
    o. abrasion / erosion;
    p. retained roots;
    q. foreign bodies;
  47. respond to legal issues concerning dental radiographs;
  48. communicate ethics and procedures concerning:
    a. ownership of radiographs;
    b. the patient right to access records;
    c. billing;
    d. loaning or transfer of records;
  49. communicate a knowledge of the Consumer Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981;
  50. communicate state and federal regulations applicable to radiology.

Course Content:

  1. History of radiography in dentistry
    1. Consumer Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981
  2. Radiography in dental practice
    1. relationship of radiology with diagnosis and treatment planning
  3. Principles and concepts of electromagnetic radiation
  4. Component parts and workings of an X-ray machine
  5. Quality of the X-ray beam and radiographic image
    1. image quality 
      1. density
      2. contrast
      3. exposure factors
    2. Radiographic intepretation
      1. radiolucencies versus radiopacities
      2. descriptive terminology
      3. normal radiographic appearance
      4. anatomic landmarks
      5. caries
      6. restorations
      7. deficiencies
      8. peridontal disease
      9. radiographic conditions
        1.  microdontia and macrodontia
        2. germination, fusion and concrescence
        3. anomalies in tooth structure
        4. supernumerary roots
        5. dilaceration
        6.  anodontia
        7. supernumerary teeth
        8. drift and migration
        9. transposition
        10.  impaction
        11. delayed eruption
        12. tori
        13. exostosis
        14. attrition
        15. abrasion / erosion
        16. retained roots
        17. foreign bodies
        18. crestal irregularities
        19. bone loss: direction, location, amount
        20. local irritants such as calculus and faulty restorations
        21. malposition of teeth
  6. Radiation bioeffects
    1. ionization
    2. Roentgen
    3. rad
    4. exposure
    5. Dose
    6. Rem
    7. Curie
    8. Sievert
  7. Radiation health and safety
    1. Basic principles of radiation protection
    2. Radiographic selection criteria
    3. characterstics and properties of x-radiation
    4. factors and circumstances for x-ray production
    5. methods for x-radiation exposure
    6. maximum permissible dose limits
    7. radiation exposure
      1. somatic
      2. genetic
      3. carcinogenic
    8. monitoring exposure to radiation
    9. guidelines for structural shielding
  8. Patient education and management
  9. Selection of surveys, film types, and record keeping
    1. criteria for patient selection 
    2. appropriate survey options
  10. Infection control and aseptic technique in radiographic procedures
    1. protocol for disinfection of equipment    
  11. Digital radiography techniques and principles
  12. Intraoral radiographic techniques
      1. geometric principles for image formation
      2. analyzing and interpreting factors causing distortion
      3. sensor placement
      4. PID angulation
      5. exposure factors
      6. parallel technique vs bisecting technique
      7. variety of film sizes and their application
  13. Technical radiographic errors and correction
    1. evaluation of technical quality
    2. diagnostic image
    3. radiographic errors
      1. technical and processing errors
        1. methods for correction
  14. Film processing, handling, and storing
    1. mounting
    2. identify components of xray film
      1. latent image formation
      2. double packet film utilization
  15. Darkroom maintenance and quality assurance
    1. equipment
      1. automatic processors
        1. processing solutions
  16. Hazardous waste management
  17. Viewing techniques and principles of interpretation
  18. Legal issues in dental radiography
    1. state and federal regulations applicable to radiology
    2.  ethics and procedures
      1. ownership of radiographs
      2. the patient right to access records
      3. billing
      4. loaning or transfer of records

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Audiovisual aids including Dexter II and human skulls
  2. Class discussion and self-evaluation
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Demonstration/Exercise
  5. Case Study
  6. Laboratory exercises
  7. Activity play
  8. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Write a brief research essay on the historical development of radiology
  2. Organize and write a dialogue of questions patients might ask and answers you would give addressing radiation safety concerns
  3. Write a brief essay based on observations made during a private practice observation with a dental hygienist
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Quizzes
  2. Exams/Tests
  3. Final Examination
  4. Lab Activities
  5. Evaluation of student's written and/or oral critiques of radiographic work
  6. Practical Examination
  7. Class Participation
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Describe basic principles and concepts of x-radiation
  2. Describe and demonstrate radiation protection procedures for the operator and patient
  3. Produce a diagnostic full mouth radiographic survey on an adult patient with a minimum grade of 84%
  4. Evaluate all radiographs in terms of technical quality, accuracy, and diagnostic acceptability

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Iannucci, J. & Howerton, L. (2016). Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques (5th). Elsevier.
Additional Materials:
  • Gloves
  • Masks
  • Safety Glasses
  • Uniform / clinic gown
  • Dental X-ray film

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Introduction to principles of radiography, radiation safety, operation of x-ray equipment, infection control procedures and hazardous waste maintenance. Practice in placement and technique for diagnostic images.
Prerequisite: current enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program