Dental Radiographer Basics (Ch 11-15) Flashcards
Ch 11- Dental Radiographs and the Dental Radiographer Ch 12- Patient Relations and the Dental Radiographer Ch 13- Patient Education and the Dental Radiographer Ch 14- Legal Issues and the Dental Radiographer Ch 15- Infection Control and the Dental Radiographer
Who is a dental radiographer?
any person who positions, exposes, and processes dental x-ray image receptors
What is risk management?
the policies and procedures that should be followed by the dental radiographer to reduce the chances of a patient taking legal action against the dental radiographer or the supervising dentist
What information about dental x-rays should be disclosed to the patient in order for them to give consent to treatment?
-purpose and potential benefits of the radiographs
-person responsible for performing the radiographic procedure
-number and type of radiographs used
-possible harm that may result if dental radiographs are not taken
-risks associated with x-ray exposure
-alternative diagnostic aids that may serve the same purpose as radiographs
What is disclosure in dental radiography?
the process of informing a patient about the particulars of dental radiography
What is informed consent?
consent given by a patient following complete disclosure
What is liability?
legal accountability
What is malpractice?
improper or negligent conduct or treatment
What is negligence?
omission or failure to provide reasonable precaution, care, or action; occurs when the diagnosis made or the dental treatment delivered falls below the standard of care
What is the standard of care?
the quality of care that is provided by dental practitioners in a similar locality under the same or similar conditions
What is the statute of limitations?
a period during which a patient may being a malpractice action against a dentist or an auxillary
What is confidentiality?
private information contained in the dental record
What type of documentation should be included in the dental record regarding dental radiographs?
-informed consent
-number and type of radiographs exposed (including retakes)
-rationale for these radiographs
-diagnostic information obtained from the interpretation of the radiographs
Who is responsible for prescribing and evaluating radiographs?
the dentist
Who is the legal owner of a patient’s dental radiographs?
the dentist
What is an antiseptic?
a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria
What is asepsis?
the absence of pathogens or disease-causing microorganisms
What are bloodborne pathogens?
microorganisms present in blood that causes disease to humans
What does disinfect mean?
to inhibit or destroy disease-causing microorganisms through the use of a chemical or physical procedure
What is a high-level disinfectant, and what are they labeled as by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
used to disinfect heat-sensitive, semicritical dental instruments; labeled as “steriliants-disinfectants”
What is a intermediate-level disinfectant, and what are they labeled as by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
recommended for use on all surfaces that have been contaminated; labeled as chemical germicides as both “hospital disinfectants” and “tuberculocidals”
What is a low-level disinfectant, and what are they labeled as by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
recommended for general housekeeping purposes; labeled as “hospital disinfectants”
What is disinfection?
the act of disinfecting
What is occupational exposure?
contact with blood or other infectious materials involving the skin, eye, or mucous membranes that result from procedures performed by the dental professional
What is parenteral exposure?
contact with blood or other infectious materials that result from piercing or puncturing the skin barrier
