Chapter 40

Once films are removed from the mouth, they are considered contaminated and should be:

handled only with gloved hands

PSP requires ___ radiation then exposure film

less

The most critical component in film processing quality control is __________.

maintaining the freshness of the processing solutions

which of the following stement is true regarding federal and state regulations on the use of dental x-ray equipment?

most states have laws that require inspection of dental x-ray equipment

A record keeping log for processing solution does not need to include the

name of the solution used to clean the tanks (Needed are: Date of solution replacement, Date the tanks were cleaned)

failure to obtain informed consent from a patient prior to exposure of dental radiographs can lead to charges of

negligence

Should you use a cassette that has scratches

no

dental records must contain documentation of the ___ of dental images taken

number type quality All are correct

Fresh fixer film at full strength should produce a clear film within

2 minutes

For a film to be properly processed, it should be left in a fixer solution, at full strength, for

3 min

Who can be legally liable for a dental assistant actions

Both the dentist and assistant

Dental radiographs are owned by the

Dentist

It is the responsibility of the __ to discuss the need for dental imaging

Dentist

Who is responsible for overall quality assurance in a dental practice

Dentist

When should you check a box of film for freshness

Each time you open a new box

A patient's signing of an x-ray refusal releases the dentist from liability.

False

The lead apron is considered a low-contamination item and should be disinfected weekly.

False

The dental film packet should be sterilized after wiping the saliva off of it.

False- do not sterilize it

A properly functioning view box is not necessary for the interpretation of dental radiographs

False- it IS necessary

Which of the following are sources of disease transmission during dental radiography?

Film packets Control panels Dental chair controls

What is the most critical areas of a quality control program?

Film processing and must be monitored on a daily basis

How can you tell when the fixer is losing it's strength

Films take longer to clear

which of the following must be disclosed to patient before obtaining informed consent for dental radiographs

Risks and benefits of the images Person who will be exposing Consequences of not having images All of the above

What are quality control tests

Specific test that are used to monitor dental x-rays equipment supplies and film processing

What surfaces must be covered with a barrier?

Surfaces that are not easily cleaned and disinfected

What is the purpose of the coin test

To check the safelight

After exposure, each mount should be labeled with the patient's name and the date.

True

Disinfecting solutions may cause damage to the electrical connections of the radiographic equipment.

True

Film-holding instruments and bite-blocks that are placed in the patient's mouth are considered semicritical items and must be sterilized or high-level disinfected before reuse.

True

How do you sterilize sensors

You cannot sterilize sensors

Sterilized positioning instruments should be removed from the packages:

after the patient is seated

All the following are true statements regarding the preparation of the operatory for dental imaging except

barriers do not need to be used because spatter of Blood/saliva is not expected

Quality control for the dark room should include

checking for light leaks every 6 months safelight testing equipment testing all are correct

Documentation of all dental imaging must include all of the following information EXCEPT the

date the film processing solutions were changed

What should the dental assistant do if a patient refuses dental imaging

document in the pts record the fact that he or she refused xrays

Given normal use, processing solutions should be changed:

every 3 to 4 weeks

how often should processing solutions be changed

every 3-4 weeks (more often if more films are being produced since it weakens the solution faster)

Which of the folloing is a critical area in a quility control program

film processing

To determine if dental x-ray film is fresh

process the film using fresh chemicals. check the expiration date on the box.

A way to ensure that high-quality diagnostic are produced is by having

quality assurance

Quality assurance is a way of ensuring that everything possible is being done to produce high quality

test and administration procedures

All the following are true regarding the transfer of dental images except

the originals are sent (the originals should never be transfered, should be kept in chart)

Why are a reference radiograph and a stepwedge used

to check the densities and contrast

Regulations regarding certification for dental assistants in radiography:

vary from state to state

Infection control-what should you do after each exposure

wipe excess saliva from the film using a paper towel

Dental radiographic equipment that should receive a protective barrier includes the

x-ray machine

Following the exposure of radiographs

*all contaminated items should be disposed. *positioning devices should be placed in the designated contaminated items area. *the lead apron can be removed after hands are washed.

The American Academy of Dental Radiography recommends annual tests for dental radiograph machines designed to identify minor malfunctions including

*variations in radiation output. *inadequate collimation. *tubehead drifting. *inaccurate kilovoltage and milliamperage readings.

What are the 3 major catagories of legal consideration regarding use of imaging

1. Federal & state regulations regarding x-ray equipment and it's use 2. Licensure for individials who expose dental images 3. Risk management to reduce the chances of a patient taking legal action

According to the American Academy of Dental Radiology what test are designed to identify minor malfunctions

1. Variations of radiation output 2. inadequate collimation 3. Tubehead drifting 4. errors in timing and 5. inaccurate kilovoltage and milliamperage reading

how often should processing solutions be replenished

Daily