DENA 1031 - Dental Radiology I

Credits: 2
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 2
Course Description: The course focuses on the study and practical application of the principles of radiation safety, operating and maintaining radiographic equipment, and exposing and mounting diagnostically acceptable intraoral radiographs on mannequins. Students must be able to perform physical tasks to complete course requirements and pass a Department of Human Services background study with no restrictions. A student who is pregnant requires a physician’s approval for course attendance because of radiation exposure.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): DENA 1000, DENA 1011, and DENA 1012.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Concurrently enrolled in DENA 1021 , DENA 1022 , DENA 1041 , and DENA 1042

Major Content

Radiology terminology and history
Mounting radiographic surveys
Identification and definition of normal/desired anatomy on intraoral images
Bisecting technique and paralleling technique
Bitewing and periapical radiographs on mannequins
Paralleling and bisecting technique on mannequins
Radiation physics and radiation characteristics
Radiation biology
Demonstrate skill in maintenance and handling digital equipment
Identify digital equipment, sensor components
Handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

identify the basic principles of x-ray generation.
identify digital equipment and sensor components.
demonstrate skill in maintenance and handling of digital equipment.
mount radiographs correctly.
take bitewing and periapical radiographs.
use the x-ray machine.
describe radiation protection protocol for operators and patients.
demonstrate sensor placement on mannequins.
identify diagnostically acceptable radiographs.
describe vertical and horizontal angles.
describe paralleling versus bisecting techniques.
identify radiographic anatomy.
analyze aspects of digital imaging.
safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous waste.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
None
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
None

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