Assignment Task

1. Produce and critique thirty diagnostic standard dental radiographic de-identified images in a simulated workplace environment, including:

a. At least twenty images must be intraoral radiographic de-identified images taken on a minimum of ten different people, demonstrating skills in periapical (PA) and bitewings (BW) (Note these images and critiques are to be uploaded in portfolio document)

b. Ten images must be extraoral radiographic de-identified images taken on a minimum of ten different people (Note these images and critiques are to be uploaded in portfolio document)

2. Implemented and maintained radiation safety measures for the patient, the practitioner and others throughout the procedure, including through the use of personal wearable radiation monitoring devices that measures radiation exposure levels, for example:

3. Correctly positioned the patient according to the radiographic receptor unit used, for example depending on the type of X-ray you are taking:

• Periapical projections
• Bitewing projections
• Occlusal projections

4. Ensured that communication with patient was maintained after positioning, for example:

• Continue to explain verbally to the patient about what they should do (e.g. “Bite down hard”)
• Use sign language to communicate with the patient (e.g. thumbs up indicates ‘OK’)
• Ensure the patient remains visible throughout the procedure, as outlined in a later section
• Observe the patient to see if they attempt to communicate using body language (e.g. grunting or grimacing might indicate that they ae experiencing discomfort or distress)

5. Selected the exposure variables on the dental radiographic unit for the intraoral or extraoral image according to manufacturers’ instructions, procedure and patient requirements, for example:

• The tube voltage, measured in kilovolts
• The tube amperage, measured in milliamps; also consider the tube length
• The radiation dose, measured in millisieverts (outlined in the following section)
• The exposure time, usually measured in seconds

6. Select the radiographic technique for the intraoral or extraoral image prescribed by the dental practitioner, for the oral structure under investigation, for example:

• Intraoral X-rays
• Periapical
• Bitewing
• Occlusal

7. Positioned the receptor and adjusted the settings according to the prescribed request and patient’s requirements, for example check:

• That it is positioned correctly in/against the mouth, for the type of X-ray that is to be taken
• That it is positioned correctly in relation to the X-ray unit delivering the X-rays
• That it is unlikely to move, immediately prior to or while the X-ray is being taken
• That it is bearable for the patient – note: X-ray receptors often need to be place deep in the patient’s mouth, and are not comfortable, but they also should not cause unbearable pain

8. Selected and used locating devices or guides to apply the correct horizontal and vertical planes for the radiograph, for example tools that can help you to apply the correct horizontal and/or vertical planes for the radiograph. When required, use accessories according to manufacturers’ instructions, for example:

• X-ray receptors; these are outlined in greater detail in a previous section
• Immobilisation equipment – used to help a person remain still for the X-ray

9. Operated the intraoral radiographic equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation, for example safely.

10. Ensured that the patient remains visible throughout the procedure to observe positioning and safety precautions and expose the X-ray, for example take the X-ray image, by delivering the radiation dose to the patient and to the receptor.