EFDA Radiography & Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of dental radiograph is most useful for detecting interproximal caries in posterior teeth?
- Periapical
- Bitewing (Correct answer)
- Panoramic
- Occlusal
Correct answer: Bitewing
Bitewing radiographs are specifically designed to show the crowns of upper and lower posterior teeth on a single film, making them ideal for detecting interproximal caries.
Question 2: When sterilizing dental instruments, which method is considered the gold standard?
- Chemical disinfection
- Dry heat oven
- Steam autoclave (Correct answer)
- UV light exposure
Correct answer: Steam autoclave
Steam autoclave (steam under pressure) is the most reliable and widely accepted method for sterilizing dental instruments.
Question 3: What is the recommended exposure setting for a bitewing radiograph on an adult patient with an average build?
- Lower kVp and higher mA than periapical
- Higher kVp and lower mA than periapical
- Same settings as a periapical radiograph (Correct answer)
- Double the exposure time of a periapical radiograph
Correct answer: Same settings as a periapical radiograph
Bitewing radiographs use the same kilovoltage and milliampere settings as periapical radiographs; only the film/sensor placement and angulation differ.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when exposing dental radiographs?
- Gloves only
- Mask and gloves only
- Gloves, mask, and protective eyewear (Correct answer)
- No PPE is required if standing behind the barrier
Correct answer: Gloves, mask, and protective eyewear
OSHA and infection control guidelines require gloves, mask, and protective eyewear when exposing radiographs due to contact with patient saliva and potential aerosol exposure.
Question 5: A patient's thyroid collar is omitted during bitewing radiographs. What is the primary concern?
- Image distortion
- Unnecessary radiation to the thyroid gland (Correct answer)
- Patient discomfort
- Sensor positioning difficulty
Correct answer: Unnecessary radiation to the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is radiosensitive, and omitting the thyroid collar unnecessarily exposes it to ionizing radiation during dental radiography.
Question 6: Which disinfectant classification is required for clinical contact surfaces in the dental operatory between patients?
- Low-level disinfectant
- Intermediate-level disinfectant (Correct answer)
- High-level disinfectant
- Sterilant
Correct answer: Intermediate-level disinfectant
Intermediate-level disinfectants are required for clinical contact surfaces because they kill mycobacteria, most viruses, and vegetative bacteria.
Question 7: What does the ALARA principle stand for in radiography?
- Always Limit All Radiation Appropriately
- As Low As Reasonably Achievable (Correct answer)
- Avoid Long-Acting Radiation Applications
- Accurate Levels Are Required Always
Correct answer: As Low As Reasonably Achievable
ALARA stands for 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' and guides dental professionals to minimize patient radiation exposure while obtaining diagnostic-quality images.
EFDA Radiography & Infection Control 2
Which type of dental radiograph is most useful for detecting interproximal caries in posterior teeth?