The most sensitive cells to ionizing radiation are
D. Reproductive
The best type of x-ray to penetrate body tissue is
B. High frequencies, short wavelength
Before seating, the dental patient it is necessary to cover which of the following items with disposable plastic wrap?
D. X-ray exposure control panel
Milliamperage controls
C. Heating of the Cathode
The dental assistant must utilize which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) when exposing films?
A. Gloves
The lead diaphragm (collimator) determines the size and shape of the
B. X-ray beam
The portion of the target that is struck by electrons is called the
C. Focal spot
Proper collimation for the film size and target-film distance will
D. Decrease the radiation recieved by the patient
To increase the penetrating quality of an x-ray beam, the auxiliary must
C. Increase the kvp
The x-ray at the center of the primary beam is called the
D. Central Ray
A test for quality control relative to manual processing may be accomplished utilizing
D. Water thermometer
Filtration of the x-ray beam protects the patient by
A. Eliminating weak wavelength x-ray from the x-ray beam
Information and instructions for proper disposal of x-ray processing solutions may be found in the
C. Product material safety data sheet
Scatter radiation is a type of
A. Secondary Radiation
The quality, or penetrating power, of secondary radiation is
A. Less than that of primary radiation
The time period between the exposure to ionizing radiation and visible tissue damage is the
C. Latent period
The amount of radiation a person receives
D. Is cumulative in the entire body
Maximum protection of the patient requires that the x-ray beam pass through a:
B. Shield open ended cone
A technique used to measure the operator’s exposure to radiation is
C. For the operator to wear a radiation film badge
Accumulated radiation dosage for those who work with radiation may not exceed
A. 5 rems/year
To avoid exposure to secondary radiation, the operator should stand
B. At least 6' from the x-ray head
The most effective way to reduce gonadal exposure from x-rays is to
B. Use a lead lap apron
After each use, the lead lap apron must be
D. Draped over a support rod unfolded
The best technique for reducing the radiation exposure to both patient and operator is the use of
C. Fast film
Film speed is determined by the
C. Size of the silver bromide crystals
The radiographic film is covered with an emulsion of
D. Silver bromide salts
The raised button on the radiograph aids in
C. Mounting
The purpose of the lead foil in dental film is to
A. Reduce film fogging from backscatter radiation
The detection of Interproximal caries is seen best with a (an)
D. Bite-wings film
Which extraoral film is used to visualize the sinus?
A. Water's film
X-ray films should be kept by the dentist along with other records for
C. Indefinitely
The best place to store unexposed x-ray film is in a
A. Lead container
The periapical film reveals
C. The entire tooth, including the apex
The principle used in panoramic radiography is
A. Tomography
A material of substance that does Not stop or absorb X-ray that is dark gray to black is known as
C. Radiolucent
A material or substance that does stop or absorb X-rays that is light gray to black is known as
C. Radiopaque
All of the tissues listed are radiopaque EXCEPT the
A. Pulp chamber
Which of these appears radiolucent?
C. Caries
What is the name of the diagonal radiopaque line visible at the lower part of the roots of the mandibular molars?
C. Internal oblique line
What is the small circular radiolucency near the roots of the mandibular premolars called?
A. Mandibular foramen
What term describes the u-shaped radiopaque structure often seen in the maxillary molar films?
A. Zygoma
What is the thin radiopaque band between the maxillary incisors called?
B. Nasal septum
What is the small circular radiolucency below the mandibular incisor roots called?
D. Lingual foramen
What is the large radiolucent area shown on maxillary molar radiographs called?
B. Maxillary sinus
What is the long, narrow, and radiolucent area visible below the roots of the mandibular molars called?
A. Mandibular canal
What is the radiopaque circular area below the apices of the mandibular incisor called?
C. Genial tubercles
What is the basic principle of the bisecting the angle technique?
C. The central ray must be directed at right angles to an imaginary line that bisects the angle formed by the long axis of the tooth and plane of the film
All of the following are basic principles of the paralleling technique EXCEPT
B. An 8" short cone must be used
The ala-tragus (Frankfort plane) line is parallel to the floor when taking
A. A panorex
The occlusal plane of the maxillary arch being radiographed should be
C. Parallel to the floor
Vertical angulation in the bisecting technique for the same radiograph can differ in patients because of
B. Anatomic differences
The periapical films should extend beyond the occlusal plane
C. 1/8"
Firm placement of the film will help prevent
A. Gagging
A latent image is
B. Composed of energized silver halide crystals
Cone cutting results form the central ray
B. Not being aimed at the center or the film
Black lines across the film may be the result of
A. Excessive bending
Blurred films can result form
B. Movement of the patient
If a patient is reluctant to be radiographed, the assistant should
D. Explain the procedure thoroughly to the patient
Exposure of a radiograph on a child
C. Requires less time than on an adult
Intensifying screens
A. Decrease exposure time of extraoral films
As the target-film distance is increased by using a long pid there is:
B. Less distortion
The usual number of films in a complete dentulous radiographic survey is
D. 18-20
In the paralleling technique, a device used to hold the film in the patient’s mouth is
A. A film holder
Extraoral films are
D. More sensitive to light than intraoral films
The major disadvantage of the bisecting angle technique is that
C. Image distortion is more likely
A routine periapical radiograph of a premolar should show
C. The distal of the canine, the first and second premolars (bicuspids), and most of the first molar.
A film holder is used in intraoral radiography because it
B. Aids in beam-film alignment
When exposing a bitewing radiograph, correct horizontal angulation refers to directing the x-ray beam
C. Through the contacts of two adjacent teeth
X-ray exposure time should be increased if the patient is
B. A large adult
What change in technique should be used for a maxillary periapical radiograph of a patient who has a shallow palate?
D. Increase vertical angulation
Before exposing a panoramic radiograph on a patient, the operator should request the removal of all the following except
D. Watch
Which of the following conditions will result in a radiographic image that is to light?
B. Weak developing solutions
A film with thin density and herringbone pattern across it is the result of
D. Film packet reveral
Incorrect horizontal angulation of the primary beam produces
A. Overlapping of promixal surfaces
The life expectancy of radiographic processing solution depends upon all of the following except
E. All of the Above
How can acceptable radiographs be produced if the temperature of the developing solution is slightly above normal?
C. Shorten the time in the developer
Insufficient fixation or washing of processed radiographic film will result in a
D. Brownish yellow stain on the radiograph
When processing a radiograph, the darkroom overhead light was off, the safety light was on, and the door was slightly open. What effect will exposure to minor amounts of room light have on the processed radiograph? It will appear
C. Black
Radiographs mounted with the raised portions of the dots toward the observer are examined as though the observer is a
D. Outside the mouth looking in
If there are no teeth to serve as guides, which of the following landmarks indicates a maxillary molar area radiograph?
D. Tuberosity
Where is the radiographic landmark (incisive foramen) usually locate?
D. Maxillary anterior
Which of the following landmarks would be most likely to indicate the midline of the mandible?
C. Genial tubercles
Which of the following factors MOST affects the penetrating power of an x-ray?
B. Kilovoltage
Which of the following materials is most resistant to the penetration of ionizing radiation?
B. Lead
If the operator suspects a malfunction in the x-ray equipment, what is the first thing to be done?
D. Stop using the equipment
Which of the following is the major cause of unnecessary radiation to dental patient?
A. Faulty operator technique
Which is the major advantage in using the highest speed film and higher kilovoltage?
A. Reduces the radiation to patient
What corrections are necessary if radiographs exhibit cone cuts?
C. Adjust the central ray to cover the film
If all known radiation safety precautions are exercised an operator who is pregnant can safely expose radiographs during the operators
C. Entire pregnancy
If a dental auxiliary radiation badge report indicates exposure to small amounts of radiation, what should be done first?
A. Evaluate the x-ray equipment and techniques
In dental radiography, it is necessary to have a filter to
C. Eliminate the less penetrating x-rays from the primary beam
What information helps to distinguish maxillary molar radiographs from mandibular molar radiographs?
A. The outline of the maxillary sinus is visible
Long, distorted teeth appear on the film when:
B. The vertical angulation is excessive
The wrinkled (cracked) appearance that results when films go from one solution to another that has wide temperature variations is termed:
A. Reticulation
The coin test is used to test the:
a safelight
b. developing solution
c. film sensitivity
d. filtration
A. Safelight
Where should the thermometer be placed in manual processing?
C. Developer tank
The stepwedge is used to test the:
a safelight
b. developing solution
c. film sensitivity
d. filtration
B. Developing solution
If the temperature of the developing solution is slightly below normal, radiographs of the required density may be obtained by a:
A. Longer developing time
What is the recommended method for developing films?
C. Time-temperature method
The occlusal technique is used to examine:
B. Large areas of the upper or lower jaw
Digital radiography uses _____ to produce an image.
D. An electronic sensor and computerized imaging
Exposure times are _____ than that required for conventional radiography.
C. 50% to 80% less
Most digital radiography systems use a _____ as the x-radiation source.
C. Conventional dental x-ray unit
The electrons that make up the silicon charge-coupled device (CCD) can be visualized as being divided into an arrangement of blocks or picture elements known as:
B. Pixels
Sensors that cannot be sterilized:
B. Require complete coverage with disposable plastic sleeves for each patient
According to the SLOB rule, when two radiographs are compared, the object that lies to the lingual appears to have moved in the same direction as the position- indicating device (PID), and the object that lies to the buccal appears to have moved in the opposite direction as the PID.
D. Both statements are true
In panoramic radiography, the _____ rotates around the patient.
C. Tubehead and Film
A ghost image occurs when:
A. All metallic or radiodense objects are not removed before the exposure of a panoramic film.
A lead apron _____ a thyroid collar should be used when exposing a panoramic film and the patient should be told to raise the tongue up to
the _____.
D. without; palate
A “reverse smile line” is seen on the radiograph if the patient’s:
A. Chin is tipped up
An “exaggerated smile line” is seen on the radiograph if the patient’s:
D. Chin is tipped down
The anterior teeth on a pan will appear “skinny” if the:
B. Teeth are positioned too far forward on the bite-block
The anterior teeth will appear “fat” if the:
C. Teeth are positioned too far back on the bite-block
A disadvantage of panoramic dental radiography when contrasted with intraoral dental radiography is:
C. The images seen on a panoramic radiograph are not as sharp as those on intraoral radiographs.
1) All ionizing radiations are harmful and produce biologic changes in living tissue. 2) The amount of radiation used in dental radiography is small, but ologic damage does occur.
C. Both statments are true
What specific mechanism of radiation injury may result in the formation of hydrogen peroxide when x-ray energy is absorbed by patient tissues?
C. Free radical formation created by the ionization of water molecules.
A nonthreshold dose-response curve suggests that:
D. No matter how small the amount of radiation recieved, some biologic damage occurs.
1) More radiation damage takes place with high dose rates, 2) because a rapid delivery of radiation does not allow time
for cellular damage to be repaired.
B. Both statements are true
Which types of cells are more sensitive to radiation: (1) rapidly dividing, (2) slowly dividing, (3) young, and/or (4) old?
A. 1 and 3
Which of the following statements is true of somatic effects of irradiation?
D. Changes are not transmitted to future generation
Which of the following types of cells is most radiosensitive?
B. Blood
The SI equivalent of the rem is:
C. The sievert
The SI equivalent of the rad is:
A. The gray
_____ is/are the single largest contributor to artificial radiation exposure .
B. Medical radiation
The use of E-speed film instead of D-speed film reduces the absorbed dose by _____ %.
C. 50
The use of F-speed film instead of D-speed film reduces the absorbed dose by ____ %.
C. 60
Which of the following combinations will result in the lowest absorbed dose for the patient from a 20-film series of
dental radiographs?
D. Rectangular collimation with F-speed film
Inherent filtration in the dental x-ray tubehead:
C. Includes filtration that takes place when the primart beam passes through the glass window of the x-ray tube, the insulating oil, and the tubehead seal.
State and federal laws require that dental x-ray machines operating above 70 kVp have a minimum total (inherent plus added filtration) of _____ mm of luminum filtration.
C. 2.5
Using 10 mA with an exposure time of 3 seconds would result in 30 mAs. If the milliamperage is increased to 15, the time must be decreased to _____ seconds to maintain the same density of the exposed radiograph.
D. 2
The collimator:
D. Restricts the size and shape of the x-ray beam
A circular collimator produces a cone-shaped beam that is _____ inch(es) in diameter.
C. 2.75
A rectangular collimator:
D. Both a and c
The primary dictum of operator protection guidelines is that the operator must:
D. Avoid the primary beam
To avoid the primary beam, the dental radiographer must be positioned at a _____-degree to _____-degree angle to the beam.
B. 135; 180
Radiation monitoring can be used to protect the dental radiographer and includes monitoring of:
C. Both equipment and personnel
A film badge:
B. Is worn at waist level by the patient
According to the current recommendations (2003) of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the current MPD for occupationally exposed persons is _____/year.
C. 5.0 rem
According to the current recommendations (2003) of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, the current MPD for occupationally exposed pregnant women is the same as that for:
B. A nonoccupationally exposed person
The acronym for the permitted lifetime accumulated dose is:
B. MAD-maximum accumulated dose
The ALARA concept states that all radiation must be kept:
D. As low as reasonably achievable
The halide in dental x-ray film is primarily silver:
A. Bromide
The latent image is stored by the _____ in dental x-ray film.
C. Silver halide crystals
The invisible pattern of stored energy on the exposed film is called the:
C. Latent image
Which of the following types of dental x-ray film is placed inside the mouth?
C. Intraoral film
A two-film packet requires _____ exposure time as a one-film packet.
D. The same
The identification dot is used to:
D. Determine film orientation in mounting.
What is the purpose of the lead foil sheet found within the film packet?
B. To shield the film from secondary backscattered radiation.
The embossed pattern placed on the lead foil sheet by the manufacturer will reveal:
B. If the film packet is inadvertently positioned in the mouth backward and then exposed
The tube side of the dental film packet:
A. Is solid white
The apex (tip) of the tooth roots may be seen on which type(s) of intraoral film?
C. Periapical
Which type of intraoral film is best for visualizing interproximal surfaces?
D. Bite-wing
Which type of intraoral film is best for examination of large areas of the maxilla or mandible?
D. Occlusal
A fast film responds more quickly than a slow film, because:
D. The silver halide crystals in the emulsion are larger
Which of the following types of film exhibits the bony and soft tissue areas of the facial profile and is used in orthodontics?
B. Cephalometric
Which of the following types of film shows a wide view of the upper and lower jaws on a single radiograph?
A. Panoramic
Screen film:
A. Is sensitive to fluorescent light
Blue-sensitive screen film must be paired with screens that produce _____ light.
C. Blue
1) An intensifying screen is a device that transfers x-ray energy into visible light; 2) the visible light, in turn, exposes the screen film.
A. Both statments are true
Rare earth screens:
B. Have phosphors that emit green light
Duplicating film:
D. Both a and c
Film is best stored in an area that is:
B. Cool and dry
Radiographic density is defined as:
D. The overall blackness or darkness of a radiograph
Radiographic contrast is defined as:
B. The difference in degrees of blackness between adjacent areas on a dental radiograph
Radiolucent refers to that portion of a processed radiograph that is:
B. Black
Radiopaque refers to that portion of a processed radiograph that is:
B. White
A radiograph that has _____ is said to have low contrast.
C. Many shades of gray
A radiograph that has _____ is said to have high contrast.
C. Very dark areas and very light areas
An increase in _____ temperature will result in a film with increased density.
D. Development
When a high operating kilovoltage peak (>90kVp) is used, (low/high) subject contrast and (many shades of gray/areas of black and white) are seen on the radiograph.
C. Low subject contrast; many shades of gray
To minimize dimensional distortion, the object and film must be _____ one another.
A. Parallel to
To answer questions about the necessity of dental x-ray films, tell the patient:
C. There are many diseases and conditions that cannot be detected simply by looking into the mouth.
Decisions about the number, type, and frequency of dental x-rays are determined by the _____ based on the patient’s individual needs.
A. Dentist
The time interval between radiographic examinations for children should be based on:
B. The individual needs of the child
According to the “Guidelines for Prescribing Dental Radiographs,” dental x-ray procedures _____ because of pregnancy.
B. Do not need to be altered
Original dental radiographs are the property of:
A. The dentist
Exposed films should _____ dried and then placed in a _____ for transport to the darkroom for processing.
C. Be; disposable container
When handling film with barrier envelopes, the barrier envelopes are opened with ____ hands and the films unwrapped with _____ hands.
B. Gloved; nongloved
The target is made of:
B. Tungsten
According to the text, size 1 film is always positioned with the long portion of the film in a _____ direction, and size 2
film is always positioned with the long portion of the film in a ____ direction.
B. Vertical; horizontal
Anterior film placements are less likely to cause the patient to gag. Once the gag reflex is stimulated, the patient may gag on films that could normally be tolerated.
A. Both statements are true
Radiation is defined as:
B. A beam of energy that has the power to penetrate substances and record image shadows on photographic film
A radiograph is defined as:
A. A picture on film produced by the passage of x-rays through an object or body.
Which of the following statements is true regarding the importance of dental radiographs?
D. Many dental diseases are typically discovered only through the use of dental radiographs.
Which of the following statements is/are true of ionizing radiation?
D. Both a and c
Electromagnetic radiations:
B. Include x-rays and visible light
Which of the following forms of electromagnetic radiation are capable of ionization?
D. X-rays
Which component of the tubehead aims and shapes the x-ray beam?
C. Position-indicating device
Which transformer in the x-ray machine is used to increase the voltage from the incoming 110- or 220-line voltage to the 65,000 to 100,000 volts required?
B. Step-up transformer
Thermionic emission of electrons occurs at the:
A. Tungsten filament in the Cathode
Approximately what percentage of the kinetic energy of the electrons is converted to x-rays at the anode?
D. Less than 1%
The lead collimator:
C. Restricts the size of the x-ray beam
Which form of the x-ray beam is most detrimental to the patient and operator?
D. Scatter radiation
In dental radiography, the term _____ is used to describe the energy or penetrating ability of the x-ray beam.
D. Quality
When the voltage is increased:
C. Electrons move from the cathode to the anode with more speed.
When kilovolt peak is increased, a:
B. Higher energy x-ray beam with increased penetrating ability results.
The quantity of the x-rays produced is controlled by:
B. Milliamperage
Milliamperage regulates the _____ of electrons produced at the cathode filament.
A. Quantity
Milliampere-seconds (mAs) is a combination of milliamperes and:
B. Exposure time
Aluminum filters are used to remove _____-energy, _____ wavelength x-rays.
B. Low; longer
When overlapped contacts appear on film, the cause is:
A. Incorrect horizontal angulation
Short teeth with blunted roots (foreshortening) appear on the film when:
B. The vertical angulation is excessive.
What kind of safelight can be used with a pan?
a. red
b. yellow
A. Red
All processing solutions are interchangeable. They can be used with any type of processor, manual or automatic.
a. true
b. false
B. False
Children are more susceptible to damage from equal doses of x-rays than are adults because:
C. A child's cells are reproducing more rapidly
A radiation-detecting badge is essential for use in the dental office and in our own radiographic clinic situation to:
B. Estimate the radiation absorbed by the wearer
Which of the following is/are correct about the characteristics of x-rays?
1. travel at the speed of light
2. carry a positive charge
3. affect photographic film
4. have no mass
C. 1, 3, and 4
Using Clark’s rule (The slob rule) if an object image moves in the opposite direction of the tube shift, then the object
is located on the:
C. Buccal
How many impulses of x-rays are there in 1/6 of a second?
B. 10
X-rays are generated by:
D. Electrons striking the target
Self-rectification means that:
B. X-rays are produced only when the electrical cycle is going from (-) cathode to (+) anode
The contrast of the radiograph is determined by the:
B. kVp
Adjustments in exposure time are made in order to control the:
D. Density of the film
Which of the following measures the absorbed dose of radiation?
B. The gray
Which of the following measures the biological effect of a dose of radiation?
A. The sievert
High scale(short scale) contrast is achieved by:
A. Decreasing the kVp
A low contrast (long scale) image may be produced by using a:
C. High kVp
To correct a foreshortened image, the _________ angulation is ____________.
B. Vertical, decreased
If an operator wants to change from short-scale contrast to long-scale contrast and maintain the same density, what should be done?
A. Increase the kVp, and decrease the mA or time
Bisecting the angle technique satisfies which of the following principles of shadow casting?
D. Short object to film distance
Bisecting is called the __________cone technique.
a. long
b. short
B. Short
Paralleling is called the __________cone technique.
a. long
b. short
A. Long
The mA circuit goes from the:
B. Step-down transformer to the filament wire
All of the following are principles of shadow casting except:
A. Large source of radiation
When an electron is stopped by the nucleus, the x-rays produced are termed bremsstrahlung radiation.
a. true
b. false
A. True
Which is the correct order for manually processing radiographs?
D. Develop, wash, fix, wash, dry
A film developed for 3 minutes must be fixed for_________minutes.
D. 10
If the temperature of the developing solution is slightly below normal, radiographs of the required density may be obtained by a:
C. Longer developing time
The optimum time and temperature for developing is:
B. 5 minutes at 68 degrees
Sodium thiosulfate or hyposulfate :
A. Removes unexposed silver halide crystals
What chemical is a presertative and prevents the developer and fixer from oxidizing and thereby prolongs longevity of the
solutions ?
D. Sodium sulfite
Agitating the film prevents air bubbles from adhering to the film while in the dip tank.
a. true
b. false
A. True
The chemical that shrinks and hardens the emulsion is:
D. Potassium alum
Which of the following does not affect the life of the processing solutions?
a. accuracy in preparation
b. cleanliness of tank
c. temperature of solutions
d. number of films processed
e. size of films processed
ab. all of the above effect the longevity
AB. All of the above effect the longevity
A major difference between automatic and manual processing of radiographs is thatautomatic processing:
A. Requires higher concentrated solutions at higher temperatures
The chemical that reduces the exposed silver halide crystals is:
d potassium bromide
e sodium hyposulfate
C. Hydroquinone
A safelight with a red filter (GBX2)can be used for________.
C. Both intraoral and extraoral films
A safelight with a yellow filter (ML2) can be used for________.
A. Intraoral films only
The safelight should be located a minimum of ________from the counter.
D. 4 feet
Which of the following are purposes of the fixing solution in processing radiographs?
1. soften emulsion
2. hardenemulsion
3. reduce exposed silver halide salts
4. remove undeveloped silver halide salts
D. 2 and 4
Which of the following are purposes of the developing solution in processing radiographs?
1. soften emulsion
2. harden emulsion
3. reduce exposed silver halide salts
4. remove undeveloped silver halide salts
B. 1 and 3
What is the sign of exhausted fixing solution?
E. A milky coating on the film
What is the sign of exhausted developer solution?
A. A thin faded image
Insufficient washing or fixing will produce a:
B. Yellow, brown image
Duplicating film:
D. Both a and c
What is ionization?
D. An electron is displace from the orbit of an atom
