NDAEB Dental Radiography Safety 2

Question 1

What is the ALARA principle in dental radiography, and how does it apply to patient exposure?

Accepted Answer

As Low As Reasonably Achievable - minimize radiation dose while obtaining diagnostic images

Answer

Always Load And Repeat Accurately - take multiple exposures for clarity

Answer

Always Limit Access to Radiation Areas - restrict who enters the X-ray room

Answer

Apply Lead Aprons Regularly Always - lead aprons must be worn at all times in the office

Question 2

When exposing a periapical radiograph, what is the minimum safe distance the dental assistant should maintain from the X-ray source if not behind a barrier?

Accepted Answer

2 metres (6 feet)

Answer

1 metre (3 feet)

Answer

30 centimetres (1 foot)

Answer

No minimum distance is required if wearing a lead apron

Question 3

A patient who is 10 weeks pregnant requires dental radiographs for emergency treatment. What is the appropriate protocol?

Accepted Answer

Take radiographs with appropriate shielding (lead apron with thyroid collar) when clinically necessary for diagnosis, following ALARA principles

Answer

Refuse all radiographs until after delivery regardless of the clinical situation

Answer

Take radiographs without any modifications as dental X-rays pose no risk

Answer

Delay all dental treatment until the second trimester

Question 4

What type of radiation is primarily responsible for patient exposure during a dental X-ray, and what type poses the greatest risk to the dental assistant?

Accepted Answer

Primary radiation to the patient; scatter radiation to the assistant

Answer

Scatter radiation to both patient and assistant

Answer

Secondary radiation to the patient; primary radiation to the assistant

Answer

Leakage radiation to both patient and assistant

Question 5

Digital dental radiography reduces patient radiation dose compared to traditional film. By approximately what percentage is the dose reduced?

Accepted Answer

50-80%

Answer

5-10%

Answer

Less than 1%

Answer

100% - digital radiography uses no radiation

Question 6

What is the purpose of a thyroid collar during dental radiographic procedures?

Accepted Answer

To protect the thyroid gland from scatter radiation, as the thyroid is highly sensitive to radiation-induced cancer

Answer

To improve image quality by reducing scatter

Answer

To hold the patient's head in the correct position

Answer

To prevent the patient from moving during exposure