Chapters 12-15, 17: Dental Images, Patient Relations, Patient Education, Legal Issues & Quality Assurance Flashcards
Dental Radiographer, Chairside Manner, Radiation Education, Dental Imaging Legalities, Quality Assurance Tests
Define the term: dental image
a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object produced by the passage of x-rays through teeth and supporting structures
Define the term: quality administration
the management of the quality assurance plan in the dental office
What documentation is required in the patient record for all dental imaging procedures?
- 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
Who is responsible for the quality assurance plan in the dental office?
the dentist
List examples of the information that must be disclosed to a patient in order for them to give informed consent to dental imaging procedures.
- 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
Define the term: quality assurance
special procedures used to ensure the production of high-quality, diagnostic images
Define the term: liability
legal accountability
Define the term: standard of care
in dentistry, the quality of care that is provided by dental practitioners in a similar locality under the same or similar conditions
Define the term: statute of limitations
a period during which a patient may bring a malpractice action against a dentist or an auxillary
Define the term: quality control tests
specific tests designed to maintain and monitor dental x-ray equipment and supplies
Who has the legal ownership of the patient’s record, including dental images?
the dentist
True or false: Retake images do not need to be documented in the patient record.
False
List the basic aspects of a comprehensive quality administration program.
- description of the plan
- assignment of duties
- monitoring schedule
- maintenance schedule
- record-keeping log
- plans for evaluation and revision
- in-service training
Define the term: patient relations
the relationship between the patient and the dental professional
Define the term: facilitation skills
interpersonal skills used to ease communication and to develop a trusting relationship between the dental professional and the patient
Why are images a necessary part of a comprehensive dental examination?
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
Define the term: negligence
- 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
Who holds the responsibility of all dental images exposed and their diagnostic quality?
the supervising dentist
Define the term: interpersonal skills
skills the promote good relationships between individuals
Define the term: non-privileged person
an individual who is not directly involved in the treatment of a patient
Define the term: chairside manner
the manner in which a dental professional conducts themself at the chairside of a patient
Define the term: liable
- accountable
- legally obligated
Define the term: self-determination
the legal rights of an individual to make choices about the care they receive, including the opportunity to consent to or refuse treatment
Define the term: disclosure
in dental imaging, the process of informing a patient about the particulars of exposing dental images
What should be performed on the digital sensor as part of the quality control tests?
- 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
Define the term: dental radiographer
any person who positions, exposes, and processes dental x-ray image receptors
Define the term: malpractice
improper or negligent conduct or treatment
Define the term: risk management
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
Define the term: direct supervision
- 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
What should be performed on the x-ray machine as part of the quality control tests?
- 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
Define the term: informed consent
consent given by a patient after complete disclosure about the particulars of a procedure
Define the term: confidential
- private
- in dental imaging, all information contained in the dental record is private
How long should dental records be kept in the office?
indefinitely
