Patient management in dental radiology

Before exposures

• Obtain informed consent

• Explain procedures to the patient

• Be confident

• Be compassionate as patients may have had a bad experience before

Before exposure- some “DOs”

• Make settings on machine before placing

film in patient’s mouth

• Ask patient to remove all intraoral objects and eyeglasses

Before exposure-some “Do not”s for intraoral radiographs

• Don’t use the word ”Hurt”

• Don’t say “Ooops” if you make a mistake

• Don’t pickup anything you drop on floor

• Don’t start the exposures in the molar area

• Don’t position the film on a torus

Cont’d

• Follow a definite order or sequence in placing and exposing films

• Align the BID with the aiming ring of the film holder

• Ask the patient not to move

What can you do to reduce gagging

• Start with films in the anterior region

• Tell the patient that the gagging may occur and that everything will be OK

• Remedies for gagging:

- Topical on tongue or palate

- Put some salt on tongue

- Distract the patient

Dental radiographs have a high-perceived risk but low-actual risk

• Personal risk form dental radiographs is less than driving to appointment

• FMX with E films is equivalent to 3 days of background radiation exposure

Patient refuses x-rays due to fear of radiation

• Explain to patient that the doses of radiation are small compared to the BENEFIT of diagnosing problems

• Explain that the doctor cannot give a full exam without the x-rays

• Postpone x-rays during pregnancy