Which technique is useful for diagnosing interdental carious lesions in anterior teeth?
Transillumination
Why should unexposed X-rays be stored correctly?
Pressure can transfer one film to another
What is the principle objective of quality assurance according to DoH?
Ensuring the production of good diagnostic quality radiographs
What is the role of the RPS?
Ensure compliance with local rules
What X-ray gives the best view to detect a fractured neck of condyle?
OPG
Who formulates contingency plans for the malfunction of X-ray equipment?
RPA
What must be considered when taking X-rays?
If it is clinically justified
The risk of what is increased if you are overexposed to radiation?
Damaging chromosomes
When can a faded image occur?
Inadequate developing time
Why should stock of X-ray films be rotated?
So films do not go out of date
When must an RPS be appointed in a dental workplace?
Any workplace using ionising radiation needs an RPS
What are horizontal bitewings useful for diagnosing?
Interproximal areas of posterior teeth
What happens if you don’t replace the lid of the developer tank after use?
Oxidation can occur
What grade is given if an error has occurred where it prevents a diagnosis being made?
3
What is IRR 1999
Relates to safety of workers and patients and provides guidance on specific equipment to ensure safety
Makes sure X-ray machines are serviced correctly
IRR states must appoint an RPA and RPS
Higher radiation risk = greater requirements for safety
What is IRMER?
To protect patients and regulate how much radiation a person receives
Aim to make dose ALARP
Ensures all X-rays are clinically justified
Consider costs and benefits of the exposure
Must carry out risk assessment for all equipment and RPA review this every 3-5 years
What are local rules?
Rules specific to each X-ray machine
Written by RPA, enforced by RPS
Should contain contingency plans, description of designated area, summary of working instructions, dose investigation level
What is the radiation protection file for?
Compliance with IRR2017
Contains all information about X-ray machines, audits, inventory of equipment, servicing records, names of RPA and RPS and how to contact them
Risks of primary beam
Localised acute exposure which can cause burns to skin or soft tissue damage
Risks of scatter radiation
Spreads out in random directions
Exposure to radiation can damage DNA in body cells and increase risk of cancer later in life
Risk is reduced if you use collimator to direct beam
What is the purpose of lead foil in traditional radiographic films?
Absorb most of radiation
Lead foil should be furthest away from X-ray tube during exposure
What is the purpose of an intensifying screen in extra oral cassette?
Used to convert X-ray beam to visible light by photoelectric effect so image can be seen
The screens are made of phosphor
What are the stages of automatic processing?
Exposure, developer, fixer, wash and then dry
Stages of direct digital processing
Only involves exposure and then instant processing
