Study Guide

Objectives

This course covers the fundamentals of medical radiation and dental imaging in oral healthcare. Completion of the course provides the skills to work safely in dental radiographic examinations within the scope of a dental hygienist's responsibilities.

After completing your studies, students will
• Know the relevant legislation regulating medical radiation
• Know the basics of radiation physics and be able to apply their knowledge to dental imaging
• Be able to interpret radiation risks
• Know the basics of the biological effects of ionising radiation
• Explain oral health radiation protection procedures to avoid medical and occupational exposure.
• Know the imaging techniques and principles of operation used in oral health care
• Be able to guide the patient in the imaging situation.
• Be able to take and evaluate radiographs used in oral health care in accordance with the responsibilities of the oral hygienist
• Be able to implement the principles of quality management for intraoral and panoramic imaging

Content

National and international radiation legislation with regard to the use of medical radiation
Regulatory control of medical radiation
Intraoral and panoramic imaging, cone beam imaging: equipment technology, imaging equipment, image formation, patient guidance, good criteria
Radiation physics and radiation biology
Radiation protection in medical exposure
Radiation protection of workers
Quality assurance in intraoral imaging

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student knows the key aspects of radiation physics. The student understands the main aspects of the biological effects of ionizing radiation. The student is aware of the main points of the central legislation and regulation governing medical radiation. The student can define the main points of the national supervision system for medical radiation. The student is able to list the radiation protection procedures in oral health care to prevent medical and occupational exposure. The student knows the imaging techniques used in oral health care and can define their use. The student is capable of taking and interpreting X-ray images used in oral health care under guidance.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student can explain the basics of radiation from radiation physics. The student can explain the fundamentals of the biological effects of ionizing radiation. The student can explain the central legislation and regulations governing medical radiation and can explain their key contents. The student can explain the national supervision system for medical radiation. The student can explain the radiation protection procedures in oral health care to prevent medical and occupational exposure. The student can explain the imaging techniques used in oral health care and their use. The student can take and interpret X-ray images used in oral health care.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can explain the basics of radiation from radiation physics. The student can analyze how the biological effects of ionizing radiation can affect human tissues in various ways. The student can explain the central legislation and regulations governing medical radiation and can explain their key contents, as well as analyze the significance of legislation in the work of a dental hygienist from both professional and patient safety perspectives. The student can explain the national supervision system for medical radiation as a comprehensive entity. The student can explain the radiation protection procedures in oral health care to prevent medical and occupational exposure, justifying the importance of these procedures comprehensively. The student can explain the imaging techniques used in oral health care and their use from various perspectives. The student can take and interpret X-ray images used in oral health care, justifying their actions.