Dental Radiology Theory

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
CHDA 1107
Discontinued
Yes
Course Code
CHDA 1107
Descriptive
Dental Radiology Theory
Department
Dental Assisting
Faculty
Health Sciences
Credits
1.50
Start Date
End Term
202020
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
30 per semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Class discussion/participation
  • Audio-visual materials
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to help the student develop an understanding of the basic principles of clinical dental radiography. Current radiographics techniques will be covered with the emphasis being on safe and effective use of x-rays in dental practice.
Course Content
  1. X-ray Generation
    • Electromagnetic radiation
    • X-ray production
    • Beam quality
    • Beam quantity
  2. Dental X-ray Exposing Equipment
    • Machine components
    • Safety features
    • Operation and maintenance of intra oral machines
    • Operation and maintenance of panoramic/cephalometric x-ray machines
    • Digital Radiography equipment
  3. Radiation Hygiene
    • Rational for Radiographs in dentistry
    • Measurement of radiation
    • Principles of protection
    • Radiation monitoring
    • Biological hazards
    • Quality assurance protocols
  4. X-ray Film and Holders
    • Dental radiographic films, intra oral and extra oral
    • Film holders
    • Principles of storage
    • Film selection
  5. Infection Control
    • Infection control significance
    • Barriers
  6. Exposure Techniques
    • Exposure planning
    • Intra oral film placement
    • Bisecting angle technique
    • Paralleling technique
    • Bitewing technique
    • Technique modifications
    • Panoramic technique
  7. Process Dental Films
    • Dark room requirements
    • Image formation
    • Processing chemicals
    • Manual processing
    • Automatic processing
    • Rapid processing
    • Storage requirements
    • Process dental radiographs
  8. Landmarks and Mounting
    • Image characteristics
    • Radiographic appearance
    • Normal landmarks
    • Deviations from normal
    • Film mounting
Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes are based on the Curriculum Guide 2001 Education of Certified Dental Assistants in British Columbia developed for the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology and the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology, February 2001.

 

Upon successful completion of CHDA 1107 the student will be able to:

 

1.         explain x-ray generation and its use in dentistry.

2.         explain the operation of radiographic equipment.

3.         explain radiation hygiene.

4.         outline use and care of dental x-ray films and holders.

5.         explain infection control procedures in radiography.

6.         explain exposure techniques.

7.         process dental films.

8.         mount dental films and describe landmarks.

9.         discuss quality assurance.

Means of Assessment

Course evaluation is based on course objectives, and is consistent with Douglas College Evaluation Policies.  An evaluation schedule is presented to the student at the beginning of the course.

A minimum mark of 65% is required to be successful in the course.

Outlines of evaluation may be subject to change.

Textbook Materials

A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.

Which Prerequisite

CHDA 1217