DRC Technology & Digital Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is best indicated for which clinical scenario in dental hygiene practice?
- Routine bitewing radiographs for caries detection
- Assessment of bone levels in complex periodontal cases (Correct answer)
- Checking restorative margins
- Monitoring orthodontic tooth movement monthly
Correct answer: Assessment of bone levels in complex periodontal cases
CBCT provides three-dimensional bone visualization, making it especially valuable for assessing complex periodontal defects and bone morphology.
Question 2: Which quality assurance test is performed to verify that a digital sensor produces consistent results over time?
- Darkroom integrity test
- Reproducibility test (Correct answer)
- Fixer activity test
- Film speed test
Correct answer: Reproducibility test
Reproducibility testing ensures that repeated exposures under the same conditions produce consistent, reliable digital images over time.
Question 3: What is the term for the process of converting the analog signal from a digital sensor into a digital image?
- Digitization (Correct answer)
- Rectification
- Collimation
- Filtration
Correct answer: Digitization
Digitization is the process of converting analog electrical signals captured by the sensor into a digital image composed of pixels.
Question 4: When using panoramic digital imaging, which feature allows the operator to adjust the focal trough to better capture a specific arch width?
- kVp selection
- Focal trough or program selection (Correct answer)
- mA setting
- Pixel pitch adjustment
Correct answer: Focal trough or program selection
Modern digital panoramic units offer multiple program selections to adjust the focal trough shape and size to match different arch widths.
Question 5: In digital radiographic image storage, what does PACS stand for?
- Patient Archive and Communication Software
- Picture Archiving and Communication System (Correct answer)
- Portable Acquisition and Calibration System
- Pixel Array and Contrast Software
Correct answer: Picture Archiving and Communication System
PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is the system used to store, retrieve, manage, and distribute digital medical and dental images.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'spatial resolution' in digital radiography?
- The ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects (Correct answer)
- The range of gray values in the image
- The speed of image processing
- The size of the digital file
Correct answer: The ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects
Spatial resolution refers to the ability of a digital imaging system to distinguish between two closely adjacent structures as separate entities.
Question 7: What is the primary infection control concern unique to digital intraoral sensors compared to conventional film?
- Sensors emit more radiation requiring additional shielding
- Sensors cannot be heat-sterilized and require barrier protection (Correct answer)
- Digital sensors must be stored in sterile packages
- Sensors require chemical disinfection inside the scanner unit
Correct answer: Sensors cannot be heat-sterilized and require barrier protection
Digital intraoral sensors are heat-sensitive and cannot be autoclaved, so disposable plastic barriers are required to prevent cross-contamination.
DRC Technology & Digital Tools 3
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is best indicated for which clinical scenario in dental hygiene practice?