D A 53A: INTRODUCTION TO RADIOGRAPHY I
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2021 |
| Units: | 3 |
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate correct maxillary and mandibular anterior intraoral film placement technique on a mannequin
- Using a diagram, the student will be able to identify four basic components in the x-ray tubehead.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Dental Assisting Theory and Practice
1. identify the component parts of the x-ray unit and explain the adjustments that should be made to produce good quality radiographs.
2. identify the fearful patient and identify signs of anxiety.
3. demonstrate correct procedures in the x-ray lab to prevent cross-contamination.
4. compare the different intraoral techniques used for bitewing and full mouth radiography using currently accepted methods.
Course Content
A. Describe in detail how dental x-rays are produced (Lec)
1. Cathode
2. Electron cloud
3. Tungsten filament
4. Target anode
5. Focal spot
6. Copper stem
7. mA, kVp, time
8. Contrast, density
9. Molecular structure of the atom
10. Wavelength, frequency
11. Penetration
B. Patient education and the dental radiographer (Lec)
1. Identification of the fearful patient
2. Benefits of dental x-rays
3. Patient safety
4. Operator safety
5. Dental x-rays and the pregnant patient
6. Dental x-rays and their frequency
C. Infection control in the operatory
1. Unit disinfection
2. Intermediate level disinfectant used in lab
3. Sterility of intraoral placement holders
4. Lead apron disinfection
5. Prevention of cross contamination
6. Films
7. Processors
8. Plates
9. Scanners
10. Erasers
11. Transport boxes
12. Computers, keyboards, touch pad screens
13. Panoramic and intraoral tubeheads and position indicator device
D. Exposure of bitewing and full-mouth survey on a dental mannequin
1. Parallel technique
2. Utilization of intraoral holders
3. Process and mount all film
4. Receptor placement in the oral cavity
5. No more than four retakes on a FMX and two retakes on a BWX
Lab Content
A. Infection control of the x-ray units and operatories are applied to the radiology laboratory experience.
B. Additional lab content includes tray set-up for specific procedures, aseptic technique, patient eligibility, image exposures, processing, viewing and evaluation.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. X-ray laboratory including training mannequins, view boxes, image receptors, scanners and computers with dental software.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Written multiple choice quizzes, visual slide quizzes and a comprehensive final exam
Critical thinking skills are applied to analyze radiographic landmarks for the purpose of facial mounting
Analysis of film errors are studied and technical or processing corrections to those errors must be identified
Method(s) of Instruction
Lectures
Demonstrations
Lab observation
Cooperative learning exercises
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Iannucci, and Howerton. Dental Radiography, 5th ed.. 2017.
Yamamoto, Judy. DA Radiology Lab Policy and Information Manual. 2019-20.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Given five comments from patients who are fearful of x-rays, students will prepare an empathetic and factual response.
B. Assigned lab readings will be from the course's lab syllabus and the Radiology Policy Manual.
C. An example of a writing assignment: List the steps and state the rationale involved in taking a FMS. Include proper infection control protocols and radiation safety concerns for retakes. Include the management of hazardous waste controls.