-SQA-SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY Hanover House 24 Douglas Street GLASGOW G2 7NG NATIONAL CERTIFICATE MODULE DESCRIPTOR -Module Number- 0069166 -Session-1986-87 -Superclass- PF -Title- DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY -DESCRIPTION- Type and Purpose A specialist module which enables the student to assist in the taking, processing and mounting of dental radiographs. Preferred Entry Level 0069167 Regional and Dental Anatomy Learning Outcome The student should: 1. know the basic principles of dental radiography; 2. take, process, identify and mount good quality radiographs. Content/ Context Corresponding to the Learning Outcomes: 1. the relevance and value of radiography as an aid in dentistry. Simple anatomy of skull. Detailed anatomy of teeth, maxilla and mandible and their radiological appearances. A basic understanding of the dental X-ray unit. Functions of: - cathode; - anode; - tungsten target; - shielding; - aperture. The components of the X-ray machine:
- source; - cone; - adjustment angle arm; - timer; A basic understanding of the processing of radiographic film. Safety aspects of dental X-ray unit operation. Dangers of radiation. The practical procedures to minimise radiation dose e.g. protective shielding, operator positioning, monitoring aids. 2. Choice of type of radiograph for diagnostic requirement: - intra- oral: biting; peri-apical; occlusal. - extra- oral: panoramic; lateral jaw; skull views. Preparation and positioning of patient. Positioning of cone in relation to film-paralleling or bisected angle technique. Setting of controls on X-ray unit. Processing of radiograph: - identification of film; - handling of film; - use of safety light; - identification of developer; - identification of fixer; - identification of wash tank; - mixing and replenishment of chemicals; - procedures for manual processing; - procedures for use of automatic processor. Common faults occurring in the operation of dental X-ray units. - malalignment. - over and under exposure. - image distortion. Identification of common faults occurring in the processing of radiographs: - damage by light; -2 -
- inadequate development time; - inadequate fixing time; - inadequate washing and drying; - chemical splashes; - incorrect strength and temperature of chemical solutions. The identification and mounting of radiographs. Identification of upper and lower teeth on film. Identification and relevance of embossed dot on films. Mounting procedure. Suggested In order to achieve the Learning Outcomes it will Learning and be necessary for the student to undertake Teaching practical placement. For this purpose about 3/4 Approaches of the time allowed for this module should be spent in dental practice. It may be necessary to increase this time to meet the needs of the individual student and in this case the college should make the necessary arrangements where possible. The main areas might be introduced by exposition and/or handout and expanded by resource based learning methods appropriate to each Learning Outcome. This is likely to include working individually or in small groups. Resources used could include models, diagrams, photographs, radiographs (including faulty examples), text books, manufacturers' books, structures, handouts and films. (This list is not exhaustive and each institution will require to adjust the teaching method to the resources available). A basic comprehension and competence should be facilitated by practical demonstration and student centred tasks before application within the dental surgery placement under close supervision. Assessment Procedures All Learning Outcomes must be validly assessed. The student must be informed of the tasks which contribute to summative assessment. Any unsatisfactory aspects of performance should, if possible, be discussed with the student as and when they arise. Acceptable performance in the module will be satisfactory achievement of the performance criteria specified for each Learning Outcome. -3 -
Where cutting scores are stated these are intended to be for guidance. The precise cutting score for a test will depend on the difficulty of the test and will have to be decided by the Tutor in consultation with the Assessor. Relating to Learning Outcomes 1-2: 1. A test of 25-30 short answer questions to cover the basic principles of dental radiography. The tutor should choose the items carefully for validity and difficulty, assuming that students can use information rather than demanding correct recall. An acceptable level of performance will normally be 80% correct response or better. 2. Written Test A test using 25-30 short answer questions to cover the theory of taking, processing, identifying and mounting radiographs. The tutor should choose the items carefully for validity and difficulty, ensuring that students can use information rather than demanding correct recall. An acceptable level of performance will normally be 80% correct response or better. Observation checklist. A checklist should be used to indicate accomplishment of the performance criteria outlined below. The student consistently: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) ensures X-ray machine is clean; ensures proper maintenance of X-ray machine including safety checks; ensures correct radiological safety precautions taken; prepares patients correctly for radiography; takes dental radiographs satisfactorily; recognises radiographic faults; ensures cleanliness of processing equipment and dark room; -4 -
(h) (i) (j) (k) (l) correctly stores films; correctly prepares and checks solutions for processing; processes radiographs; accurately identifies radiographs; effectively mounts radiographs. Copyright SQA 1986-5 -