RDA EXAM PREP 2026 DENTAL ANATOMY
AND ORAL HEALTH PRINCIPLES OVERVIEW
◉ radiography
Answer: the photographically recording of images of the teeth and
surrounding structures with the use of x-rays
◉ Intraoral radiographs
Answer: periapical- captures the entire tooth 4mm of bone
surrounding the apical areas
bitewing- captures interproximal surfaces, mesial and distal, of
every tooth. should record the crowns of the maxillary and the
mandibular teeth. also used to diagnose caries and early periodontal
disease
◉ Extraoral radiographs
Answer: panoramic- gives overall view of the mandible and maxilla.
detects lessions in the jaw/pathology. locates impacted teeth, and
trauma
cephalometric- shows major functional skeletal structures and
relation to each other. used to measure and evaluate dentofacial
proportions
, ◉ Radiopaque
Answer: white or light gray areas on x-ray
metal in crowns, bridges, and implants, alloy fillings, root canal
fillings, enamel, and composite fillings
◉ Radiolucent
Answer: medium gray or black areas on an x-ray
tooth pulp/nerve, caries, abscesses, missing tooth structure, and the
open areas of the mouth are captured
◉ Incorrect vertical angulation
Answer: Foreshortening- caused by excessive vertical angulation
Elongation- caused by insufficient angulation
◉ Lead apron
Answer: must be worn by every patient during every radiographic
procedure
must be hung or draped
◉ Thyroid Collars
Answer: must be used for all patients for all exposures. reduces
radiation/exposure by 50%
AND ORAL HEALTH PRINCIPLES OVERVIEW
◉ radiography
Answer: the photographically recording of images of the teeth and
surrounding structures with the use of x-rays
◉ Intraoral radiographs
Answer: periapical- captures the entire tooth 4mm of bone
surrounding the apical areas
bitewing- captures interproximal surfaces, mesial and distal, of
every tooth. should record the crowns of the maxillary and the
mandibular teeth. also used to diagnose caries and early periodontal
disease
◉ Extraoral radiographs
Answer: panoramic- gives overall view of the mandible and maxilla.
detects lessions in the jaw/pathology. locates impacted teeth, and
trauma
cephalometric- shows major functional skeletal structures and
relation to each other. used to measure and evaluate dentofacial
proportions
, ◉ Radiopaque
Answer: white or light gray areas on x-ray
metal in crowns, bridges, and implants, alloy fillings, root canal
fillings, enamel, and composite fillings
◉ Radiolucent
Answer: medium gray or black areas on an x-ray
tooth pulp/nerve, caries, abscesses, missing tooth structure, and the
open areas of the mouth are captured
◉ Incorrect vertical angulation
Answer: Foreshortening- caused by excessive vertical angulation
Elongation- caused by insufficient angulation
◉ Lead apron
Answer: must be worn by every patient during every radiographic
procedure
must be hung or draped
◉ Thyroid Collars
Answer: must be used for all patients for all exposures. reduces
radiation/exposure by 50%
