DRC Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2

Question 1

A pregnant patient in her first trimester requires dental radiographs for acute pain. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Take only periapical films with leaded apron and thyroid collar

Answer

When radiographs are clinically necessary, they can be taken during pregnancy with proper shielding (leaded apron and thyroid collar) to minimize fetal exposure.

Question 2

Which factor most significantly increases a patient's radiosensitivity to dental X-rays?

Accepted Answer

Being a child under 10 years

Answer

Children are more radiosensitive than adults because their cells are rapidly dividing and their tissues are still developing.

Question 3

A patient reports having had multiple medical CT scans in the past year. How should this affect your radiographic risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

It should prompt consideration of cumulative dose when deciding imaging necessity

Answer

Cumulative radiation exposure from all sources should be considered during risk assessment, though dental doses are far lower than CT doses.

Question 4

Which selection criterion best justifies taking a full-mouth series (FMX) for a new adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of generalized bone loss on clinical exam and no radiographs in 3+ years

Answer

Clinical evidence of pathology combined with an extended interval since last radiographs justifies a comprehensive full-mouth series.

Question 5

What does the term 'stochastic effect' mean in the context of radiation risk?

Accepted Answer

A probabilistic effect where the likelihood increases with dose but severity does not

Answer

Stochastic effects, such as cancer induction, are probabilistic — higher doses increase the chance of occurrence, but the severity of the disease is independent of dose.

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

DRC Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2