Free DANB RHS Exam Flashcards

Shows the entire tooth from crown to apex plus surrounding bone. Used to evaluate apical pathology, root morphology, and periapical status of individual teeth.

Shows crowns of maxillary and mandibular teeth in occlusion and the alveolar crest. Primary use: detect interproximal caries and assess crestal bone levels.

A complete set of intraoral images covering all teeth—typically a mix of periapicals and bitewings. Provides a comprehensive baseline of dentition and supporting structures.

Large intraoral image that shows a broad area of the maxilla or mandible. Useful for locating supernumerary teeth, impacted teeth, sialoliths, and evaluating the palate or floor of the mouth.

Extraoral image of both jaws, TMJs, and surrounding structures on one view. Used for overall survey, third-molar assessment, and pathology screening—not a substitute for detailed bitewings when caries detection is the goal.

Standardized lateral (or PA) skull image used mainly in orthodontics to evaluate craniofacial relationships, growth patterns, and treatment planning landmarks.

Three-dimensional imaging modality that produces multiplanar views. Used when 2D images are insufficient—implant planning, complex anatomy, and localization of impacted teeth or pathology.

Receptor is placed parallel to the long axis of the tooth; the central ray is directed perpendicular to both. Preferred when anatomy allows because it minimizes dimensional distortion.

Central ray is aimed perpendicular to an imaginary line that bisects the angle between the tooth long axis and the receptor. Useful when paralleling is difficult (shallow palate, tori), but more prone to vertical distortion.

Instrument that holds the receptor and guides the PID so the central ray is centered and correctly angled. Improves consistency and reduces cone cuts and angulation errors.

Open-ended cylinder or rectangular tube that aims and shapes the useful beam toward the receptor. Longer PIDs increase source-to-receptor distance and can improve image sharpness.

Object-localization method: take a second image with a horizontal tube shift. If the object moves in the Same direction as the tube, it is Lingual; if Opposite, it is Buccal.

Review medical/dental history for contraindications, explain the procedure, remove eyeglasses/jewelry/piercings that can create artifacts, and position the patient for the selected technique.

Adapt receptor size/placement, use a different holder or bisecting approach, and adjust angulation carefully. Goal: diagnostic image without forcing anatomy that causes gagging or distortion.

Align the patient using planes such as the Frankfort plane and midsagittal plane, instruct the patient to bite on the bite block, and keep the tongue against the palate when indicated to avoid airway shadows.

Caused by incorrect horizontal angulation—the central ray was not directed through the contacts. Correct by adjusting horizontal angulation so the beam passes through the interproximal spaces.

Teeth appear longer than actual size. Commonly caused by insufficient vertical angulation (especially with bisecting technique). Increase vertical angulation to correct.

Teeth appear shorter than actual size. Caused by excessive vertical angulation. Decrease vertical angulation to restore accurate tooth length.

Clear, unexposed area on the image because the PID/beam did not cover the entire receptor. Center the beam over the receptor and verify alignment-device placement before exposing.

Unsharp or ghosted anatomy from patient or tubehead movement during exposure. Stabilize the patient's head, use a firm bite, and ensure the tubehead is locked before pressing expose.

Image appears too light or noisy with inadequate detail. Increase exposure factors (mA, time, or appropriate kVp per protocol) or check for incomplete exposure/sensor connection issues—avoid unnecessary retakes.

Image appears too dark with washed-out contrast. Reduce exposure quantity (mA × time) or adjust technique factors per office protocol; confirm the correct exposure setting was selected for the region.

Radiopaque structures (enamel, amalgam, metal) appear light/white because they absorb more x-rays. Radiolucent structures (pulp, soft tissue, caries) appear dark because more x-rays reach the receptor.

Shows the intended anatomy with adequate density/contrast, correct angulation (open contacts when needed), sharp detail, and no artifacts that hide clinical findings. Retake only when diagnostic value is compromised.

Arrange images in anatomical order using tooth numbers, maxillary vs. mandibular landmarks, and facial/lingual orientation. Correct orientation prevents misdiagnosis and supports legal chart documentation.

Examples: mental foramen, genial tubercles, maxillary sinus, zygomatic process, lamina dura, and alveolar crest. Recognizing normal landmarks prevents mistaking anatomy for pathology.

Controls beam energy (quality) and penetrating power. Higher kVp increases penetration and generally produces a longer gray scale (lower contrast); also influences overall receptor exposure.

Together they control the quantity of x-rays produced (mAs). Increasing milliamperage or time increases receptor exposure and image density; decreasing either reduces exposure.

Primary radiation is the useful beam from the tubehead. Scatter (secondary) radiation is produced when the primary beam interacts with matter (patient, objects) and contributes to occupational exposure and image fog.

Intensity varies inversely with the square of the distance from the source. Doubling distance reduces intensity to one-fourth; halving distance increases intensity fourfold—critical for operator standing distance.

Removes low-energy x-rays that would be absorbed by the patient without contributing to the image. Inherent plus added filtration hardens the beam and reduces unnecessary patient dose.

Restricts beam size and shape (preferably rectangular) so only the area of interest is irradiated. Reduces patient tissue exposure and scatter, improving both safety and image contrast.

Rapidly dividing, undifferentiated cells are generally more radiosensitive (e.g., blood-forming tissues, reproductive cells). Highly specialized cells with low turnover (muscle, nerve) are relatively radioresistant.

Time between radiation exposure and the appearance of observable biologic effects. Effects may appear hours to years later depending on dose and tissue type.

Somatic effects occur in the irradiated person (e.g., tissue injury, cancer risk). Genetic (heritable) effects involve damage to reproductive cells that could be passed to future offspring.

Gray measures energy absorbed per unit mass of tissue (1 Gy = 1 J/kg). The older traditional unit is the rad (100 rad = 1 Gy).

Sievert accounts for biologic effect of different radiation types and, for effective dose, tissue weighting. Traditional counterpart is the rem (100 rem = 1 Sv). Occupational limits are often stated in mSv.

As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Apply selection criteria, correct technique on the first exposure, collimation/filtration, shielding when indicated, and avoid unnecessary retakes to minimize dose.

Three core occupational controls: minimize time near the source, maximize distance (inverse square law), and stand behind a protective barrier or use shielding when a barrier is unavailable.

Stand at least 6 feet from the tubehead and preferably at a 90–135° angle to the primary beam direction. Never hold the receptor or tubehead during exposure.

Patient shielding devices that attenuate scatter to the torso and thyroid. Use according to current ADA/FDA guidance and office policy; store flat or hung to avoid cracks in the lead/attenuating material.

Regulatory upper limit for occupational exposure. Commonly cited whole-body occupational MPD is 50 mSv (5 rem) per year; keep actual exposure far below limits through ALARA practices.

Monitors cumulative occupational radiation exposure. Wear at the assigned body location during work; do not leave it in the operatory near the tubehead or take it home for non-work exposure.

Retakes from technique errors, holding the receptor for the patient, standing in the primary beam, equipment leakage, and exposing without clinical indication. Prevention is the best protection strategy.

Solid-state intraoral receptors that capture the image electronically and display it almost immediately. They cannot be heat sterilized—use a disposable barrier and disinfect per manufacturer IFU.

Reusable plate that stores a latent image and is scanned to create a digital file. Handle carefully to avoid scratches; use barriers and follow infection-control and erasure protocols between patients.

Treat all patients as potentially infectious. Use hand hygiene, appropriate PPE, barriers on clinical contact surfaces, and safe handling of receptors and holders for every radiographic procedure.

Critical items penetrate tissue (sterilize). Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes (e.g., reusable receptor holders—heat sterilize when heat-tolerant). Noncritical items touch intact skin or surfaces (disinfect).

Place barriers on tubehead, control panel, chair controls, and other clinical contact surfaces before the procedure. After the patient, remove barriers carefully and disinfect underlying surfaces as needed.

Wear gloves, mask, and eye protection as indicated for intraoral imaging. After exposure, remove contaminated gloves before touching the computer/keyboard or clean areas; perform hand hygiene and use barriers on input devices.