Academic Catalog

D H 305D: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY IV

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 1
Hours: 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter)
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in D H 60D.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • List the advantages of using the buccal object rule in dentistry.
  • Produce a diagnostic panoramic radiograph and identify four anatomical landmarks of the skull

Description

This is the fourth in the series of four courses in dental radiography, for the second year dental hygiene student. Emphasis is on the mastery of radiographic localization techniques using knowledge of anatomical structures to identify tubehead positioning and optomizing image quality. Students will develop the expertise to identify and correct technical errors in radiographic images and apply evidence-based strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy to use in clinical practice. This course supports an inclusive learning environment to build advanced skills for delivering patient-centered care. 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. Describe alternative radiographic applications and techniques necessary to problem solve diverse patient needs.
  2. Identify the radiographic appearance of anatomical structures involved with the tempromandibular joint.
  3. Identify and distinguish symptoms of TMJ pain.
  4. Describe legal quality assurance features in dental radiography.

Course Content

  1. Alternative applications and techniques in dental radiology
    1. Occlusal projection
      1. Receptor placement
      2. Receptor size
      3. Tubehead angulation maxilla
      4. Tubehead angulation mandible
    2. Buccal object rule
      1. Receptor placement
      2. Tubehead angulation and shift
    3. Distal oblique projection
      1. Image placement
      2. Snap-a-ray holder
      3. Tubehead angulation
    4. kVp/mA rule
      1. Manual operational settings
    5. Inverse square law
  2. Radiographic appearance and features of the temporomandibular joint
    1. Lateral pterygoid plate
    2. Mandibular condyle
    3. Articular eminence
    4. Glenoid fossa
    5. TMJ features
      1. Capsule and articular disc
      2. Ligaments
      3. Nerve innervation
  3. Etiology of TMJ pain
    1. Jaw movements and disorders
    2. Trauma
    3. Stress
    4. Arthritis
    5. Malocclusion
    6. Bruxism
  4. Legal and quality assurance in dental radiology
    1. Digital fraud
    2. Cone beam computed tomography
    3. Portable x-ray unit
    4. Right of refusal
    5. HIPAA
    6. Precautionary wall signage
    7. California Department of Public Health

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Multimedia classroom.
2. When offered as an online/hybrid course, students need on-going access to a computer with internet access and an email address.

Method(s) of Evaluation

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

Visual slide exams
Technical and evaluative scores on radiographic procedures
Written final exam

Method(s) of Instruction

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

Lecture
Discussion
Demonstration
Cooperative learning exercises

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

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

Yamamoto, J. D H 305D Radiology Lecture Syllabus.

Yamamoto, J. Dental Radiology Lab & Information Manual.

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

The student will write the interpretation of their radiographs into their competency portfolio. It must demonstrate creative thinking and show the incorporation of their knowledge, from any course or clinical content, with their radiographic findings. The writing must be original, intellectual, and show an integration between subject disciplines.

Discipline(s)

Dental Technology