HLTDEN002 Assist with Dental Radiography Knowledge Questions

This article covers knowledge questions related to dental radiography including avoiding film faults, automatic processing, manual processing, storage and maintenance of radiographic stock, and digital radiography. It also explains what an orthopantomogram (OPG) is and how to prepare a patient for it.

HLTDEN002Assist with dental radiography
Knowledge Questions v 1.4 (2017/09/06)
HLTDEN002 Assist with dental radiography
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Assessment
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Knowledge Questions
Please carefully read through each question posed. In your response, please use terms and
phrases you defined in your previous assessment. Reflect on your learning unit and your own
research. Please aim to present 180 words for each response to fully demonstrate your
knowledge in this area of study. A minimum of 150 words for each response is required.
Please note: Where the word count is not met, your submission will be returned to you for re-
working.
1. How would you avoid or rectify the following film faults?
Film fault How can this be avoided/rectified
Image distortion
from bent film
In order to avoid image distortion, it is better to process the image via
automated processor than that of manual processing. The automated
processor rolls one image at a time with a time gap of 4 to 6 minutes.
Insertion of image insider the automated processor is done under the gap of
10 seconds. This prevents the chances of getting folded films due to manual
handing error
Partial image on film Via proper vertical and horizontal alignment of the tube and maintaining
proper exposure with the developer in order to produce the complete image
Underexposed film Underexposure of the film mainly occurs due to low exposure time or
exposure rate. Thus in order to prevent the chances of getting under-
exposed film, proper combination of exposure rate and exposure time must
be maintained. However over exposure may cause blurring of images hence
this must also be taken into consideration
Air bubbles on film Slow pouring of water over the film might help to reduce the chances of
formation of air bubble
Fixer staining Fixer staining is more likely to occur due to developer contamination. In
order to prevent fixer staining, the developer solution must be let aside from
the fixer solution. While handling the developer and doing the developing
stage, the executor must not touch the fixer and this will increase the
chances of contamination through hand
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HLTDEN002Assist with dental radiography
Knowledge Questions v 1.4 (2017/09/06)
2. Automatic processors operate on the same principles as manual darkroom processing.
Describe the methods used when preparing film for processing in an automatic processor,
and briefly explain how an automatic processor functions.
(min 150 Words) 1. Switching off the over-head light and turning on the safe light
2. Placing the film over the clean working surface by handling it over the edges
3. Inserting the unwrapped film into the film feed slot of the process one in a single go
4. 10 seconds buffer time between insertions of each film
5. Precaution in turning the films in sideways or quickly in order to prevent overlap
6. After films have been inserted, 4 to 6 minutes of time is required for automated
processing
7. Retrieval of the processed radiographs from the film recovery slot
Automated processor has a light shielded compartment that is equipped with transport
mechanism that picks up the unwrapped film and makes it pass through the different
sections like developing, fixing, washing and drying sections. The automated system has a
series of roller that moves the film through the developing solution at constant speed.
3. What are the basic principles for producing quality images through manual processing of x-
rays?
(min 150 Words) The manual processing of X-ray film mainly deals with the
transformation of the latent images into visible images. This transformation of the latent
images into visible images is known as processing. Processing consists of developing, rinsing,
fixing, washing and drying.
1. Developing: Conversion of latent image into black metallic silver. The film is dipped
into the developer solution which reduces energized ionized silver bromide crystals
via adding electrons and subsequently removing halides. This precipitates the
metallic silver in the emulsion layer. The negative charge of the electrons attracts
the free silver ions and thereby further reducing it into black metallic atoms.
2. Wash: Removal of excess developer and the gelatine emulsion. This is done via
placing the film into a water bath. The washing as reduces the alkalinity of the
residual developer and thereby ceasing the reaction
3. Fixing or hardening: Help to dissolve unexposed halide crystals. This is becase
unexposed silver halides are insoluble in water
4. Washing: Removes products of processing
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HLTDEN002Assist with dental radiography
Knowledge Questions v 1.4 (2017/09/06)
5. Drying: Removes extra water
Floating thermometer, a timer and the time - temperature are three crucial
ingredients in manual X-ray film processing
4. Explain how radiographic stock is stored and maintained at your practice. Where do you
store your radiographic stock? What are the benefits of your stocktaking and ordering
processes?
(min 150 Words) Storage and maintenance of the unprocessed and/or unexposed
film occur inside a card board box through which the light cannot pass. Inside the cardboard
box, the film remains wrapped in moisture-proof wrap so that the film remains dry. The
card board box is stored in cool and dry place with the temperature between 10 to 24
degree C. The film is stored away from the X-ray as radiation from X-ray might damage the
unexposed film. At times sling psychometer is used in order to measure the relative
humidity of the room where the film is stored. The permissible relative humidity should
remain in between 30 to 50%.
The radiographic stock or the developer solution is stored in amber coloured bottle
which is opaque in nature and thus light cannot pass through it. The cap of the bottle is air
sealed and the bottle is stored in a cool and dry place, away from the reach of sunlight, X-
rays and humidity.
The benefits of stocktaking and ordering process prevent misuse of the radiographic stock
solution.
5. Digital radiography is increasingly used in dental practices. Using your own workplace
examples, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the main types of digital
radiography. What is digital radiography, and when is it used in your practice?
If digital radiography is not used at your practice, answer the questions hypothetically.
(min 150 Words) Digital Radiography is a type of X-ray imaging. It is process where
digital X-ray sensors are employed instead of traditional photographic film. The main
advantage of the digital radiography is, it is time efficient process. This is because, it helps to
side-pass the step of chemical processing via digitally transferring and enhancing the
images. Some disadvantages of digital radiography have an ability to magnify images which
at times lead to over-interpretation of the structures leading to misleading results. Another
prominent dis-advantage of the digital radiography is its high-cost maintenance and high
start-up cost. Moreover images are required to be processed immediately an any delay in
processing will lead to complete loss of image data. This is because, the trapped electrons
return back to the lower energy state.
The digital radiography is mainly used when there is an urgent requirement in the dental
radiography. This is because, it provides immediate image preview while eliminating the
need to costly film processing steps.
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HLTDEN002Assist with dental radiography
Knowledge Questions v 1.4 (2017/09/06)
6. The image below shows a patient undergoing an orthopantomogram (OPG). What is an
OPG, and when is it used? Explain how you would prepare this patient for the OPG. Is the
patient in the image correctly positioned?
(min 150 Words) OPG is a type of dental X-ray which produces panoramic view of
the jaw. A specialised x-ray machine is used to generate images during OPG. The specialised
x-ray machine rotates around the patient’s head while the patient remain still either is
standing or sitting position. OPG is commonly used during general dental check up.
However, it is also used to get general view of teeth, teeth cavities, and teeth impactions
along with other tutors, infection, dislocation and sinuses.
For patient preparation during OPG, I will ensure that the patient is not wearing any
jeweller or eyewear and other metallic accessories or implants as this will show up in x-ray
and thereby obscuring important structures.
The patient position is correct in the picture because the patient she is not wearing
any jewellery, or spectacles, her chin is rested over a plastic rest while she is biting gently
the mouth piece is order to keep her face fixed.
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