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Dental Assisting Radiography (DAR)
Exam Study Guide | Comprehensive
Exam Prep
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What is the function of the cathode in an X-ray The cathode contains a tungsten filament that, when heated, releases
tube? electrons via thermionic emission, forming an electron cloud directed
toward the anode.
The negatively charged electrode in the X-ray Cathode
tube is the _______.
A radiograph appears too dark. Which exposure Exposure time, mA, or kVp was too high, leading to excessive radiation
parameter was likely excessive? reaching the receptor.
Define kVp and its effect on image quality. Kilovoltage peak (kVp) controls beam energy and penetration. Higher
kVp increases image density and reduces contrast.
Increasing kVp increases image contrast. Explain. False. Increasing kVp decreases contrast by producing more shades of
gray.
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What is collimation, and why is it important? Collimation restricts the size and shape of the X-ray beam, reducing
patient exposure and improving image quality.
Aluminum disks in the tubehead act as _______. Filtration
Define radiolucent and give an example. Radiolucent structures allow X-rays to pass through and appear dark,
e.g., pulp chamber.
Define radiopaque and give an example. Radiopaque structures absorb X-rays and appear white, e.g., enamel or
restorations.
A cone-cut image appears. What caused it? Improper alignment of the PID, causing part of the receptor to not be
exposed.
What is the purpose of filtration? To remove low-energy (long wavelength) X-rays that do not contribute
to image formation but increase patient dose.
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The target material in the anode is usually _______. Tungsten
Define latent image. The invisible image formed on the receptor after exposure but before
processing.
Define mA and its role. Milliamperage controls the number of electrons produced, affecting
the quantity of X-rays and image density.
Increasing mA affects beam quality. Explain. False. mA affects quantity, not quality (energy) of X-rays.
What is the function of the anode? Converts kinetic energy of electrons into X-rays and dissipates heat.
Image appears light. What adjustment is needed? Increase exposure time, mA, or kVp to allow more radiation.
Define primary radiation. The useful beam emitted from the tubehead directed toward the
patient.
Define scatter radiation. Secondary radiation deflected from its path after interacting with
matter, contributing to exposure hazards.
The device that directs the X-ray beam is the _______. PID (Position Indicating Device)
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.com/user/tbankness
Dental Assisting Radiography (DAR)
Exam Study Guide | Comprehensive
Exam Prep
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.com/user/tbankness
https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness
What is the function of the cathode in an X-ray The cathode contains a tungsten filament that, when heated, releases
tube? electrons via thermionic emission, forming an electron cloud directed
toward the anode.
The negatively charged electrode in the X-ray Cathode
tube is the _______.
A radiograph appears too dark. Which exposure Exposure time, mA, or kVp was too high, leading to excessive radiation
parameter was likely excessive? reaching the receptor.
Define kVp and its effect on image quality. Kilovoltage peak (kVp) controls beam energy and penetration. Higher
kVp increases image density and reduces contrast.
Increasing kVp increases image contrast. Explain. False. Increasing kVp decreases contrast by producing more shades of
gray.
https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness
What is collimation, and why is it important? Collimation restricts the size and shape of the X-ray beam, reducing
patient exposure and improving image quality.
Aluminum disks in the tubehead act as _______. Filtration
Define radiolucent and give an example. Radiolucent structures allow X-rays to pass through and appear dark,
e.g., pulp chamber.
Define radiopaque and give an example. Radiopaque structures absorb X-rays and appear white, e.g., enamel or
restorations.
A cone-cut image appears. What caused it? Improper alignment of the PID, causing part of the receptor to not be
exposed.
What is the purpose of filtration? To remove low-energy (long wavelength) X-rays that do not contribute
to image formation but increase patient dose.
https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness
, https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness https://www.stuvia.com/user/tbankness
The target material in the anode is usually _______. Tungsten
Define latent image. The invisible image formed on the receptor after exposure but before
processing.
Define mA and its role. Milliamperage controls the number of electrons produced, affecting
the quantity of X-rays and image density.
Increasing mA affects beam quality. Explain. False. mA affects quantity, not quality (energy) of X-rays.
What is the function of the anode? Converts kinetic energy of electrons into X-rays and dissipates heat.
Image appears light. What adjustment is needed? Increase exposure time, mA, or kVp to allow more radiation.
Define primary radiation. The useful beam emitted from the tubehead directed toward the
patient.
Define scatter radiation. Secondary radiation deflected from its path after interacting with
matter, contributing to exposure hazards.
The device that directs the X-ray beam is the _______. PID (Position Indicating Device)
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