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BDA RADIOGRAPHY EXAM
2026|ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
What is NOT a clinical indication for taking a panoramic radiograph? - correct-
answer - routine screening, there is no justification for using a panoramic
radiograph to routinely screen patients. Each and every radiograph must be
justified according to clinical need.
Why is an oblique lateral radiograph called 'oblique'? - correct-answer - Because
the image receptor is held at an angle to to the patient's sagittal plane
During oblique lateral radiography, in what circumstances can the Operator hold
the cassette against the patient's face? - correct-answer - You, the operator, must
never hold the cassette or any other type of image receptor during the exposure.
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What type of radiograph should be used to assess the presence of
supernumeraries in the anterior maxilla? - correct-answer - upper standard
occlusal, they are commonly used as part of an orthodontic assessment.
How do you immobilise the patient's head for a cephalometric lateral skull
radiograph? - correct-answer - Ear rods are required to immobilise the patient's
head during a cephalometric lateral skull radiograph.
How far should the tubehead and image receptor be during cephalometric
radiography? - correct-answer - 1.5-1.8m
Which of these methods can be used to localise an unerupted tooth? - correct-
answer - By taking two radiographs at right angles to each other, you can see
both the "side-to-side" and 'front-to-back" location of an unerupted tooth.
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When using parallax in the horizontal plane... - correct-answer - a buccally
positioned unerupted tooth will appear to move in the opposite direction to the
X-ray tubehead.
What are the main area(s) that must be addressed by a radiography quality
assurance programme? - correct-answer - A quality assurance programme must
cover all aspects of dental radiography, not just things like equipment.
Which of the following is a key aim of a radiography QA programme? - correct-
answer - Produce diagnostic radiographs to a consistently high standard
What is the suggested 'dose constraint' for dental staff involved in radiography? -
correct-answer - 0.3msV for those working in dental practice. The annual dose
limit for a non-classified worker (set out in the Ionising Radiation Regulations) is
BDA RADIOGRAPHY EXAM
2026|ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
What is NOT a clinical indication for taking a panoramic radiograph? - correct-
answer - routine screening, there is no justification for using a panoramic
radiograph to routinely screen patients. Each and every radiograph must be
justified according to clinical need.
Why is an oblique lateral radiograph called 'oblique'? - correct-answer - Because
the image receptor is held at an angle to to the patient's sagittal plane
During oblique lateral radiography, in what circumstances can the Operator hold
the cassette against the patient's face? - correct-answer - You, the operator, must
never hold the cassette or any other type of image receptor during the exposure.
,2|Page
What type of radiograph should be used to assess the presence of
supernumeraries in the anterior maxilla? - correct-answer - upper standard
occlusal, they are commonly used as part of an orthodontic assessment.
How do you immobilise the patient's head for a cephalometric lateral skull
radiograph? - correct-answer - Ear rods are required to immobilise the patient's
head during a cephalometric lateral skull radiograph.
How far should the tubehead and image receptor be during cephalometric
radiography? - correct-answer - 1.5-1.8m
Which of these methods can be used to localise an unerupted tooth? - correct-
answer - By taking two radiographs at right angles to each other, you can see
both the "side-to-side" and 'front-to-back" location of an unerupted tooth.
, 3|Page
When using parallax in the horizontal plane... - correct-answer - a buccally
positioned unerupted tooth will appear to move in the opposite direction to the
X-ray tubehead.
What are the main area(s) that must be addressed by a radiography quality
assurance programme? - correct-answer - A quality assurance programme must
cover all aspects of dental radiography, not just things like equipment.
Which of the following is a key aim of a radiography QA programme? - correct-
answer - Produce diagnostic radiographs to a consistently high standard
What is the suggested 'dose constraint' for dental staff involved in radiography? -
correct-answer - 0.3msV for those working in dental practice. The annual dose
limit for a non-classified worker (set out in the Ionising Radiation Regulations) is
