Essentials of Dental Radiography for Dental Assistants and Hygienists

Evelyn M. Thomson, BSDH, MS, served 20 years as educator at Old Dominion University's Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene in Norfolk, Virginia, receiving awards for Faculty Excellence; Continuing Education Teaching & Leadership; Outstanding Author; and Distinguished Alumni. In addition to teaching in the undergraduate dental hygiene program and mentoring graduate students in the master’s degree program, Thomson developed and taught numerous continuing professional education courses; served as a consultant to the Virginia Board of Dentistry; and conducted seminars for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Thomson’s expertise has been validated by membership in the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, and with an appointment on the National Board Dental Hygiene II Test Construction Committee by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. Thomson is author and co-author of three textbooks: Exercises in Oral Radiographic Techniques: A Laboratory Manual; Case Studies in Dental Hygiene; Essentials of Dental Radiography for Dental Assistants and Hygienists, and has published numerous manuscripts in peer-reviewed dental hygiene journals. Evie lives at the Virginia Beach oceanfront with her husband Hu Odom.

PART I: RADIATION BASICS

1. Dental Radiography: Historical Perspective and Future Trends

2. Characteristics and Measurement of Radiation

3. The Dental X-ray Machine: Components and Function

4. Factors Affecting Radiographic Quality

PART II: RADIATION BIOLOGY AND II RADIATION SAFETY

5. Effects of Radiation Exposure

6. Radiation Protection

PART III: DENTAL X-RAY IMAGE RECEPTORS AND IMAGE PRODUCTION

7. Dental X-ray Film and Processing Methods

8. Digital Radiography and Image Acquisition

PART IV: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHER FUNDAMENTALS

9. Infection Control

10. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

11. Patient Relations and Education

PART V: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

12. Introduction to Radiographic Examinations

13. The Periapical Examination—Paralleling (Technique

14. The Periapical Examination—Bisecting Technique

15. The Bitewing Examination


16. The Occlusal Examination


17. The Panoramic Examination

PART VI: RADIOGRAPHIC ERRORS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

18. Identifying and Correcting Undiagnostic Radiographs

19. Quality Control and Environmental Safety in Dental Radiography

PART VII: VIEWING AND INTERPRETING DENTAL RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGES

20. Image Orientation and Introduction to Interpretation

21. Recognizing Normal Radiographic Anatomy— Intraoral Radiographs

22. Recognizing Normal Radiographic Anatomy— Panoramic Radiographs

23. Radiographic Appearance of Dental Materials and Foreign Objects

24. The Use of Radiographs in the Detection of Dental Caries

25. The Use of Radiographs in the Evaluation of Periodontal Diseases

26. Describing Radiographic Anomalies, Lesions, and Opportunistic Screening

PART VIII: RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS

27. Pediatric Radiographic Techniques

28. Radiographic Techniques for Patients with Special Needs

29. Radiographic Techniques for Specific Oral Conditions