Chapters 12-15, 17: Dental Images, Patient Relations, Patient Education, Legal Issues & Quality Assurance

Question 1

Define the term: chairside manner

Answer 1

the manner in which a dental professional conducts themself at the chairside of a patient

Question 2

Define the term: confidential

Answer 2

• private
• in dental imaging, all information contained in the dental record is private

Question 3

Define the term: disclosure

Answer 3

in dental imaging, the process of informing a patient about the particulars of exposing dental images

Question 4

Define the term: facilitation skills

Answer 4

interpersonal skills used to ease communication and to develop a trusting relationship between the dental professional and the patient

Question 5

Define the term: dental image

Answer 5

a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object produced by the passage of x-rays through teeth and supporting structures

Question 6

Define the term: informed consent

Answer 6

consent given by a patient after complete disclosure about the particulars of a procedure

Question 7

Define the term: interpersonal skills

Answer 7

skills the promote good relationships between individuals

Question 8

Define the term: liability

Answer 8

legal accountability

Question 9

Define the term: liable

Answer 9

• accountable
• legally obligated

Question 10

Define the term: malpractice

Answer 10

improper or negligent conduct or treatment

Question 11

Define the term: negligence

Answer 11

• omission or failure to provide reasonable precaution, care, or action
• occurs when the diagnosis made or the dental treatment falls below the standard of care

Question 12

Define the term: patient relations

Answer 12

the relationship between the patient and the dental professional

Question 13

Define the term: quality administration

Answer 13

the management of the quality assurance plan in the dental office

Question 14

Define the term: quality control tests

Answer 14

specific tests designed to maintain and monitor dental x-ray equipment and supplies

Question 15

Define the term: quality assurance

Answer 15

special procedures used to ensure the production of high-quality, diagnostic images

Question 16

Define the term: dental radiographer

Answer 16

any person who positions, exposes, and processes dental x-ray image receptors

Question 17

Define the term: risk management

Answer 17

the policies and procedures that the dental professional should follow to reduce the change that a patient will take legal action against the dental professional or the supervising dentist

Question 18

Define the term: self-determination

Answer 18

the legal rights of an individual to make choices about the care they receive, including the opportunity to consent to or refuse treatment

Question 19

Define the term: standard of care

Answer 19

in dentistry, the quality of care that is provided by dental practitioners in a similar locality under the same or similar conditions

Question 20

Define the term: statute of limitations

Answer 20

a period during which a patient may bring a malpractice action against a dentist or an auxillary

Question 21

Define the term: direct supervision

Answer 21

• the supervising dentist remains in the dental office or facility while the imaging procedures are completed and must approve all images taken
• a dental radiographer must perform imaging procedures under direct supervision

Question 22

Why are images a necessary part of a comprehensive dental examination?

Answer 22

because certain lesions and conditions cannot be seen clinically with the naked eye, and can only be seen on an image, and therefore, a patient can receive the standard of care necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment

Question 23

List examples of the information that must be disclosed to a patient in order for them to give informed consent to dental imaging procedures.

Answer 23

• purpose and potential benefits of the image
• the person responsible for performing the imaging procedure
• number and type of images used
• possible harm that may result if dental images are not completed
• risks associated with x-ray exposure
• alternative diagnostic aids that may serve the same purpose as dental images

Question 24

Who holds the responsibility of all dental images exposed and their diagnostic quality?

Answer 24

the supervising dentist

Question 25

What documentation is required in the patient record for all dental imaging procedures?

Answer 25

• informed consent
• number and type of images exposed (including retakes)
• rationale for these images
• an imaging report including diagnostic information obtained from the interpretation of the images

Question 26

True or false: Retake images do not need to be documented in the patient record.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

Define the term: non-privileged person

Answer 27

an individual who is not directly involved in the treatment of a patient

Question 28

Who has the legal ownership of the patient’s record, including dental images?

Answer 28

the dentist

Question 29

How long should dental records be kept in the office?

Answer 29

indefinitely

Question 30

Who is responsible for the quality assurance plan in the dental office?

Answer 30

the dentist

Question 31

What should be performed on the x-ray machine as part of the quality control tests?

Answer 31

• inspection, monitoring, and calibration to check the performance of the machine and the production of diagnostic images
• can be completed by a trained employee or a manufacturer’s service technician

Question 32

What should be performed on the digital sensor as part of the quality control tests?

Answer 32

• inspection for scratching, bending, and general wear and tear that can result in a non-diagnostic image
• inspection of the wired cable attachment for signs of bending, separation, or deterioration

Question 33

List the basic aspects of a comprehensive quality administration program.

Answer 33

• description of the plan
• assignment of duties
• monitoring schedule
• maintenance schedule
• record-keeping log
• plans for evaluation and revision
• in-service training