Academic Catalog

D H 305B: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY II

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 1
Hours: 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 60B.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Mount bitewing images by using the dental digital information obtained by sensors and integrate it with dental software technology by using an Eaglesoft template.
  • Produce a diagnostic set of bitewing radiographs on a patient, evaluate and analyze each image for technical and operator errors.

Description

This is the second in the series of four courses in dental radiography for dental hygiene students. This course provides an introduction to the radiology laboratory, focusing on essential skills in dental x-ray techniques on mannequins. Radiation safety protection is practiced for all laboratory procedures to ensure a safe learning environment. Students will engage in self-critiques and receive constructive feedback through the evaluation of their images. Intended for students in the Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to expose a diagnostic bitewing series (BWS) and full mouth series (FMS) on a dental mannequin.
  2. Analyze and identify specific image errors or limitations by accurately describing the technique that may have led to each error.
  3. Produce a corrected radiograph that improves the quality of a previously faulty image, meeting specified standards.
  4. Demonstrate appropriate infection control measures for operatory disinfection in the radiology lab.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of radiation health risks by accurately explaining three patient safety protocols and three operator safety protocols.

Course Content

  1. Exposure of bitewing and full mouth series on a dental mannequin
    1. Parallel technique
    2. Utilization of intraoral holders
    3. Receptor placement
  2. Image error analysis
    1. Angulations errors
      1. Horizontal
      2. Vertical
    2. Image placement errors
      1. Incisors
      2. Premolars
      3. Molars
    3. Position-indicating device error
      1. Cone-cut
  3. Image correction analysis
    1. Angulation corrections
      1. Horizontal
      2. Vertical
    2. Image placement corrections
      1. Incisors
      2. Premolars
      3. Molars
    3. Position-indicating device correction
      1. Cone-cut

Lab Content

  1. Infection control in the lab operatory
    1. Handwashing
    2. PPE
    3. Unit disinfection
    4. Intermediate level disinfectant
    5. Sterility of intraoral placement holders
    6. Lead apron
    7. Computer
      1. Keyboards
      2. Touch pad screens
    8. Panoramic and intraoral tubeheads and position indicator device
  2. Radiation safety protection
    1. Patient protection
    2. Operator protection

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

Dental radiology lab equipment: image holders, dental training mannequins, dental chairs, dental x-ray machine, digital sensor, computer, Eaglesoft software, autoclave, autoclave tape, sterilization bags, travel containers.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Group lab performance on mannequin; BWS and FMS
Individual clinical performance evaluation on patient
Image placement
Written final exam

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Discussion
Cooperative learning exercises
Laboratory
Demonstration
Observation

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Iannucci and Howerton. Dental Radiography, Principles and Techniques, 6th ed.. 2022.

Yamamoto, J. Radiology Lab Policy and Information Manual.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Writing assignments may include: list the steps involved in taking a FMS; include cubicle disinfection, room preparation, armamentarium and sensor placement, patient protection, sterilization, indications of dental findings on forms, treatment documentation.
  2. Drawing assignment may include: given a FMS x-ray mount, draw the teeth included in each projection; include proportioned teeth and roots (enamel, dentin, cementum, root(s)), alveolar bone characteristics and density (trabeculation, lamina dura), significant intraoral landmarks, and appropriate teeth for each film placement.

Discipline(s)

Dental Technology