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

Question 1

Define the term: dental image

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Define the term: quality administration

Answer 2

the management of the quality assurance plan in the dental office

Question 3

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

Answer 3

• 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 4

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

Answer 4

the dentist

Question 5

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 5

• 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 6

Define the term: quality assurance

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Define the term: liability

Answer 7

legal accountability

Question 8

Define the term: standard of care

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Define the term: statute of limitations

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Define the term: quality control tests

Answer 10

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

Question 11

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

Answer 11

the dentist

Question 12

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

Answer 12

False

Question 13

List the basic aspects of a comprehensive quality administration program.

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Define the term: patient relations

Answer 14

the relationship between the patient and the dental professional

Question 15

Define the term: facilitation skills

Answer 15

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

Question 16

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

Answer 16

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 17

Define the term: negligence

Answer 17

• 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 18

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

Answer 18

the supervising dentist

Question 19

Define the term: interpersonal skills

Answer 19

skills the promote good relationships between individuals

Question 20

Define the term: non-privileged person

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Define the term: chairside manner

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Define the term: liable

Answer 22

• accountable
• legally obligated

Question 23

Define the term: self-determination

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Define the term: disclosure

Answer 24

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

Question 25

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

Answer 25

• 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 26

Define the term: dental radiographer

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Define the term: malpractice

Answer 27

improper or negligent conduct or treatment

Question 28

Define the term: risk management

Answer 28

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 29

Define the term: direct supervision

Answer 29

• 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 30

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

Answer 30

• 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 31

Define the term: informed consent

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Define the term: confidential

Answer 32

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

Question 33

How long should dental records be kept in the office?

Answer 33

indefinitely