SCDA RADIATION SAFETY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
X-rays are also known as what?
Radiographs
What are x-rays?
Photographic images that can be seen on film/screen
How are x-rays produced?
By directing the x-ray beams, invisible straight lines traveling at a constant
speed and made visible by processing the image
What are x-rays used for?
Help prevent, monitor, and diagnose potential oral health care issues in a
patients mouth before they become a major problem
X-rays are produced by what type of machine?
,A machine whose source of energy is electricity
How are teeth captured on x-rays?
X-rays pass through soft tissues and are absorbed by dense tissue. Teeth and
bone are very dense so, they absorb x-rays while x-rays pass more easily
through gums & cheeks
Radiation can affect body tissues & cells that can carry what?
Hereditary materials for future generations
What is the most common type of radiograph in dentistry?
Intraoral x-rays
What are some things x-rays for adults do?
1. Detect areas of decay that can not be seen just looking in the mouth
, (especially decay between teeth)
2. Detect decay under fillings
3. Detect cracks or other damaging in fillings
4. Alert the dentist to possible bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease
5. Show problems in the root of a tooth, such as infection or death of the nerve
6. Helpthe dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, braces, dentures or
other dental work
7. Detectother problems, such as cysts, cancer or changes caused by diseases of
the body
What are some things x-rays for children & teens do?
1. Find decay, damage to fillings & monitor tooth growth and development
2. Determine if permanent teeth are developing & coming in properly
3. See if any teeth are impacted (unable to come through the gums)
4. Help the dentist plan, prepare & place braces
Who established recommendations as to acceptable levels of exposure to
ionizing radiation?
National Committee on Radiation Protection (NCRP)
, What are the recommendations as to acceptable levels of exposure
to ionizing radiation called?
Maximum permissible dose (MPD)
What does the MPD (maximum permissible dose) represent?
Greatest amount of radiation exposure that is accepted as not producing
significant harmful biological effects
What is the annual occupational dose limit of radiation for adults?
Total effective dose equivalent being equal to 5 rem (0.05Sv)
What is the annual occupational dose limit of radiation for minors?
10% of the annual occupational dose limit specified for adults
What is radiation dose?
Measure of how much energy is absorbed when something or someone is
exposed to X-rays
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
X-rays are also known as what?
Radiographs
What are x-rays?
Photographic images that can be seen on film/screen
How are x-rays produced?
By directing the x-ray beams, invisible straight lines traveling at a constant
speed and made visible by processing the image
What are x-rays used for?
Help prevent, monitor, and diagnose potential oral health care issues in a
patients mouth before they become a major problem
X-rays are produced by what type of machine?
,A machine whose source of energy is electricity
How are teeth captured on x-rays?
X-rays pass through soft tissues and are absorbed by dense tissue. Teeth and
bone are very dense so, they absorb x-rays while x-rays pass more easily
through gums & cheeks
Radiation can affect body tissues & cells that can carry what?
Hereditary materials for future generations
What is the most common type of radiograph in dentistry?
Intraoral x-rays
What are some things x-rays for adults do?
1. Detect areas of decay that can not be seen just looking in the mouth
, (especially decay between teeth)
2. Detect decay under fillings
3. Detect cracks or other damaging in fillings
4. Alert the dentist to possible bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease
5. Show problems in the root of a tooth, such as infection or death of the nerve
6. Helpthe dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, braces, dentures or
other dental work
7. Detectother problems, such as cysts, cancer or changes caused by diseases of
the body
What are some things x-rays for children & teens do?
1. Find decay, damage to fillings & monitor tooth growth and development
2. Determine if permanent teeth are developing & coming in properly
3. See if any teeth are impacted (unable to come through the gums)
4. Help the dentist plan, prepare & place braces
Who established recommendations as to acceptable levels of exposure to
ionizing radiation?
National Committee on Radiation Protection (NCRP)
, What are the recommendations as to acceptable levels of exposure
to ionizing radiation called?
Maximum permissible dose (MPD)
What does the MPD (maximum permissible dose) represent?
Greatest amount of radiation exposure that is accepted as not producing
significant harmful biological effects
What is the annual occupational dose limit of radiation for adults?
Total effective dose equivalent being equal to 5 rem (0.05Sv)
What is the annual occupational dose limit of radiation for minors?
10% of the annual occupational dose limit specified for adults
What is radiation dose?
Measure of how much energy is absorbed when something or someone is
exposed to X-rays
