What is a step wedge dental?

A High Purity Aluminum Step Wedge allows you to evaluate the performance of the X-ray machine and the processing system. Step wedges can also be used in the calibration of x-ray machines, and are used as a quality assurance test in monitoring the film processing used in dental radiography.

What is step wedge used for?

a device used for comparing exposure intensities in photography or radiography; a series of tones from white to black (photography) or plates of increasing thickness (radiography) are placed between the energy sources and the film and differences in exposure are noted.

What is quality assurance in dental radiography?

Quality assurance is a plan of action to ensure that a diagnostic x-ray facility will produce consistent, high- quality images with a minimum of exposure to patients and personnel. Fewer repeat radiographs mean time and cost savings for both patients and operators.

What is harp in dentistry?

The Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (HARP), administered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, was passed in 1980.

What is a paralleling technique in dentistry?

The paralleling technique is the most commonly used technique for exposing periapical and bitewing radiographs because it creates the most accurate representation of a tooth image. It refers to the receptor being positioned parallel to the full length (long axis) of the tooth being radiographed.

What is cervical burnout?

Cervical burnout appears as a radiolucent band around the necks of teeth and is more pronounced at the proximal edges. The X-ray photons overpenetrate or burn out the thinner tooth edge and create the radiolucent area that mimics cervical caries [26] (Figure 1).

What is the target rate for diagnostically acceptable digital images?

Standards: The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) guidance describes three grades of radiograph quality. Excellent (Grade 1 >70% of total exposures), diagnostically acceptable (Grade 2 <20%) and unacceptable (Grade 3 <10%).

Why is a reference radiograph and step wedge used?

specific tests that are used to monitor dental x-ray equipment, supplies, and film processing. Why are a reference radiograph and a stepwedge used? To check the densities and contrast. How can you tell when the fixer is losing its strength?

Where should dental film be stored?

Keep all packages away from heat sources, store in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 50′ and 75°F (10° to 24°C). Keep opened packages of film at a relative humidity between 30° and 50 percent. An inexpensive instrument called a sling psychometer can be used to measure relative humidity.

Who is responsible for harp?

HARP is administered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (the “Ministry“). If you are the owner of x-ray machinery or about to become one, HARP applies to you!

What are dental radiographs used for?

Like medical radiographs, dental radiographs allow your dentist to evaluate any injuries to your face and mouth. Dental radiographs can help your dentist iden- tify diseases and developmental problems before they become serious health issues.

What are the five basic rules of the paralleling technique?

Intraoral Radiography