RADIATION HEALTH AND SAFETY
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
When taking a panoramic radiograph of an obese patient, as compared to a slim
patient, exposure (kV or mA) a should be
a. be decreased
b. be increased
c. remain the same - Answer-b. be increased
The major disadvantage of the bisecting angle technique is that...
a. the film is more difficult to place.
b. image distortion is more likely.
c. the exposure time is significantly longer.
d. the amount of radiation absorbed by the patient is increased. - Answer-b. image
distortion is more likely
To reduce cross-comtanation during radiography, the CDC and ADA recommend that
the operators do all of the following EXECPT
a. wear gloves
b. dispose of saliva- contaminated film packet carefully.
c. use sterilizable or disposable film holders.
d. cover control unit and the tube-head with plastic barrier.
e. take complete medical histories - Answer-e. take complete medical histories
Ideally, a lead apron would be used
a. for a full moth series
b. for any dental radiographs
c. if the kV is increased above normal.
d. when the X-ray machine is suspected of malfunctioning. - Answer-b. for any dental
radiographs
A full mouth radiographic series has just been processed manually. The operator notes
that the films on the bottom of the rack are of a different density. What could have
caused this?
a. developing solution was too cold.
b. developing solution was contaminated
c. fixer solution was reaching exhaustion.
d. solutions were not stirred before processing - Answer-d. solutions were not stirred
before processing
A film that has been exposed to scattered radiation will appear
a. brown
, b. fogged
c. green
d. clear - Answer-b. fogged
X-ray exposure time should be increased if the patient is
a. very old
b. edentulous
c. large adult
d. very young - Answer-c. large adult
Before exposing a panoramic radiograph on a patient, the operator should request the
removal of all of the following EXECPT
a. watch
b. dentures
c. eyeglasses
d. removable bridgework
e. earrings - Answer-a. watch
A parent refuses to have radiographs taken on his/her child. The dental assistant should
a. explain that the radiographs are necessary for insurance reimbursement
b. inform the dentist and document parent's refusal
c. expose the necessary radiographs without the parents knowledge
d. refer the parent to another dentist - Answer-b. inform the dentist and document
parent's refusal
Incorrect horizontal angulation of the primary beam produces
a. overlapping of occlusal surfaces
b. overlapping of proximal surfaces
c. lengthening of the image of the tooth
d. shortening of the image of the tooth - Answer-b. overlapping of proximal surfaces
Where is the radiographic landmark 'incisive foramen' usually located?
a. maxillary anterior
b. mandibular anterior
c. maxillary posterior
d. mandibular posterior - Answer-a. maxillary anterior
Cephalometric radiographs are primarily indicated to evaluate
a. bone loss
b. fractures
c. caries
d. jaw relationships - Answer-d. jaw relationships
When taking a panoramic radiograph, the patient's head should be oriented
a. with the chin tipped up
b. with the chin tipped down.
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
When taking a panoramic radiograph of an obese patient, as compared to a slim
patient, exposure (kV or mA) a should be
a. be decreased
b. be increased
c. remain the same - Answer-b. be increased
The major disadvantage of the bisecting angle technique is that...
a. the film is more difficult to place.
b. image distortion is more likely.
c. the exposure time is significantly longer.
d. the amount of radiation absorbed by the patient is increased. - Answer-b. image
distortion is more likely
To reduce cross-comtanation during radiography, the CDC and ADA recommend that
the operators do all of the following EXECPT
a. wear gloves
b. dispose of saliva- contaminated film packet carefully.
c. use sterilizable or disposable film holders.
d. cover control unit and the tube-head with plastic barrier.
e. take complete medical histories - Answer-e. take complete medical histories
Ideally, a lead apron would be used
a. for a full moth series
b. for any dental radiographs
c. if the kV is increased above normal.
d. when the X-ray machine is suspected of malfunctioning. - Answer-b. for any dental
radiographs
A full mouth radiographic series has just been processed manually. The operator notes
that the films on the bottom of the rack are of a different density. What could have
caused this?
a. developing solution was too cold.
b. developing solution was contaminated
c. fixer solution was reaching exhaustion.
d. solutions were not stirred before processing - Answer-d. solutions were not stirred
before processing
A film that has been exposed to scattered radiation will appear
a. brown
, b. fogged
c. green
d. clear - Answer-b. fogged
X-ray exposure time should be increased if the patient is
a. very old
b. edentulous
c. large adult
d. very young - Answer-c. large adult
Before exposing a panoramic radiograph on a patient, the operator should request the
removal of all of the following EXECPT
a. watch
b. dentures
c. eyeglasses
d. removable bridgework
e. earrings - Answer-a. watch
A parent refuses to have radiographs taken on his/her child. The dental assistant should
a. explain that the radiographs are necessary for insurance reimbursement
b. inform the dentist and document parent's refusal
c. expose the necessary radiographs without the parents knowledge
d. refer the parent to another dentist - Answer-b. inform the dentist and document
parent's refusal
Incorrect horizontal angulation of the primary beam produces
a. overlapping of occlusal surfaces
b. overlapping of proximal surfaces
c. lengthening of the image of the tooth
d. shortening of the image of the tooth - Answer-b. overlapping of proximal surfaces
Where is the radiographic landmark 'incisive foramen' usually located?
a. maxillary anterior
b. mandibular anterior
c. maxillary posterior
d. mandibular posterior - Answer-a. maxillary anterior
Cephalometric radiographs are primarily indicated to evaluate
a. bone loss
b. fractures
c. caries
d. jaw relationships - Answer-d. jaw relationships
When taking a panoramic radiograph, the patient's head should be oriented
a. with the chin tipped up
b. with the chin tipped down.
