Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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DHY 163 - Radiology


Last Date of Approval: Spring 2021

3 Credits
Total Lecture Hours: 30
Total Lab Hours: 30
Total Clinical Hours: 0
Total Work-Based Experience Hours: 0

Course Description:
This course encompasses the physics of radiation and radiation biology as they are related to the principles, techniques, and interpretation of intra and extraoral radiographs. Quality in exposing, mounting, and processing dental x-rays is stressed along with an emphasis on the safety of the patient and operator included in this course. Laboratory exercises will develop the student’s competency in exposing, processing, and mounting radiographs. This course is only offered to students who are accepted into the dental hygiene program. This course will help students develop knowledge of dental radiology and use these skills to critically think as they evaluate radiographs taken on dental hygiene patients. This knowledge will be beneficial to the career of dental hygiene. 

Corequisites: DHY 174 
Mode(s) of Instruction: face to face

Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.

Course Fees: None

Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
  1. Recall the important dates related to dental radiography and the contributions of pioneers in the field of dental radiography.
  2. Explain radiation physics, ionization and the nature of radiation.
  3. List the characteristics of x-rays.
  4. Identify dental radiographic techniques and list the uses of radiographs in dentistry.
  5. Differentiate between the different types of radiation.
  6. Describe the interactions of dental x-rays with matter and action on tissues and cells.
  7. List protective measures and methods used to reduce the risk principle in radiation exposure.
  8. Recognize and identify the main components of the dental x-ray machine and their function.
  9. Discuss the operation of the dental x-ray machine and procedures for operating the machine.
  10. Describe and discuss in detail the principles of radiographic imaging.
  11. List the steps in the production of radiographs.
  12. Explain the radiological units of measurement, rads, rems, R and SI counterparts.
  13. Define the inverse square law.
  14. Explain the effects of exposure time, mAs, kVp and tube film distance on the radiograph.
  15. Draw a tube head, label the parts and describe in detail each of their functions.
  16. Explain the effects of object density and thickness on the radiograph.
  17. Determine how to adjust contrast, density, quality, intensity and magnification on a radiograph.
  18. Utilize radiographs to assist in the interpretation of dental caries, periodontal disease and dental restorations.
  19. State the advantages and disadvantages of both paralleling technique and the bisecting technique.
  20. Identify the components of an x-ray film and describe the various sizes and film speed and uses of each.
  21. List the components of an efficient darkroom and their functions.
  22. List and explain the process of film processing and why correct film processing is important for diagnostic quality radiographs.
  23. List and explain the chemical components and their function in both fixer and developing solutions.
  24. Describe the darkroom and common processing errors and steps to resolve them.
  25. Demonstrate the correct processing technique without introducing any processing errors for any type of dental radiograph.
  26. Identify anatomical landmarks and artifacts on both a full mouth series and panorex.
  27. Mount a full mouth series of radiographs with 100% accuracy.
  28. State advantages and disadvantages of a panoramic radiograph.
  29. Label the contents of an extra oral cassette.
  30. State the cause of any faulty radiograph, which resulted from operator error and explain the steps to correct the errors.
  31. Differentiate between radiolucent and radiopaque structures and be and be able to identify on a radiograph.
  32. Demonstrate the correct protocol for exposing a panorex, full series of radiographs, VBWs, and HBWs, occlusal radiographs.
  33. Demonstrate the proper film selection, (type and size) for the following radiographic techniques, periapical exposure, VBW. HBW, panorex, FMS, pedodontic series and occlusal exposures.
  34. Discuss in detail the use, handling and storage of x-ray film.
  35. Discuss and perform client management techniques and the communication skills vital for client and professional relationships.
  36. Identify, assemble and properly utilize radiographic film holders.
  37. Practice all principles of radiation safety and infection control when exposing radiographs.
  38. Discus legal issues related to dental radiography.
  39. Describe the clinical indications and techniques used for cephalometric, lateral, posterior anterior and Water’s projection.
  40. Demonstrate proper record keeping related to radiographs.
  41. Discuss Digital Imagery
  42. Discuss 3D Imagery



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