NDAEB Dental Radiography Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Health Canada's Safety Code 30, what is the primary purpose of using a lead thyroid collar in addition to a lead apron during intraoral radiography?

Accepted Answer

To protect the highly radiosensitive thyroid gland from scatter radiation.

Answer

To reduce the patient's gag reflex during imaging procedures.

Answer

To stabilize the patient's head and prevent movement artifacts.

Answer

To protect the reproductive organs from the primary X-ray beam.

Question 2

A dental assistant is preparing to take a full mouth series of radiographs on an adult patient. To adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which of the following actions is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Using a rectangular collimator instead of a round one.

Answer

Doubling the exposure time to ensure a dark image.

Answer

Asking the patient to hold the digital sensor with their finger.

Answer

Setting the kilovoltage (kVp) to the lowest possible machine setting.

Question 3

An operator must stand at a specific position relative to the primary X-ray beam to maximize safety if they must remain in the room. According to Canadian safety guidelines, what is the safest position for the operator?

Accepted Answer

Between 90 and 135 degrees to the primary beam.

Answer

At a 45-degree angle to the beam behind the tubehead.

Answer

Directly behind the patient's head.

Answer

Directly in front of the patient, facing the tubehead.

Question 4

In Ontario, the Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP) Act governs the use of dental X-ray equipment. Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all X-ray operators, including dental assistants, are properly qualified and that the equipment is maintained?

Accepted Answer

The designated Radiation Protection Officer (RPO), who must be a dentist.

Answer

The individual dental assistant.

Answer

The provincial government inspector.

Answer

The equipment manufacturer.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a dental assistant to legally operate radiographic equipment in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Personal ownership of a dosimeter to measure occupational exposure.

Answer

Successful completion of a recognized course in dental radiography safety.

Answer

Operating under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.

Answer

Adherence to the principles of ALARA and Safety Code 30.

Question 6

A pregnant patient requires an essential periapical radiograph for an emergency diagnosis. What is the most appropriate safety protocol to follow in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with the radiograph using a lead apron and thyroid collar.

Answer

Postpone the radiograph until after the patient has given birth.

Answer

Ask the patient to sign a waiver releasing the clinic from liability.

Answer

Take the radiograph but use two lead aprons for extra protection.