Radiography Training for Dental Assistants

Photographic image are being produced on film through dental radiography by X-rays that pass through the teeth and supporting structures. Training in radiography is part of programs taken by those who want to take clinical dental assisting, as well as dental hygiene. The field is critical as it diagnosed any oral condition a patient may have.

In some states, dental assistants are certified in order to take dental X-rays. Here are some things that dental assistants must be familiar of and must learn when taking the classes.

Equipment

When a dental assistant is studying dental radiography, the assistant must learn how to operate and be familiarized with the component parts of the X-ray machine. The component parts include the tubehead, control panel and extension arm. The students must learn how a film holder must be used and other equipments.

Safety

Safety to radiation is critical in training for radiography in dental field. Dentists are the only ones who should be issuing and prescribing radiographs. Te students learn the importance of collimator that helps in reducing the exposure of the patients to radiation. Students learn how to also protect themselves from radiation.

Techniques

There are two methods students learn in taking radiographs, the paralleling and bisecting techniques. X-rays are taken in front of the teeth first followed by the premolars and molars that are located in the mouth’s farther back. The bite-wing X-ray technique is taught to students. The technique helps the dentists to detect cavities by examining the spaces between each tooth. The students also learn about the common placement errors and the corrections of these problems.

Mounting

Another important part of the training programs is mounting radiographs. Mounted films are quicker to view and easier to interpret, as the students learn of it. The dental radiographs are arranged according to anatomic order that is referring to the arrangement of the teeth. Students can also learn to pinpoint problems and anatomic landmarks.

Extra-Oral and Digital Radiography

The training programs for dental radiography also cover the classes that teach students about the extra-oral films that are placed on the mouth’s exterior during the exposure to X-ray. Panoramic films show the upper and lower jaws. Cephalometric films show the face’s soft tissues and bones. Students also learn about the use of duplicating films that make identical copies of the radiographs. Less radiation is required by digital radiography, unlike the conventional radiography. One can visit the site, Dental X-rays , for further information here

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