Elements and Performance Criteria
- Elements define the essential outcomes
- Position patient to obtain radiograph
- Position dental radiographic detector
- Select the appropriate exposure variables for either an intraoral or extraoral image on the dental radiographic unit according to manufacturers’ instructions, procedure and patient requirements
- Select the appropriate radiographic technique for either an intraoral or extraoral image prescribed by dental practitioner for the oral structure under investigation
- Position correctly the appropriate film or film plate or sensor and setting for the prescribed request and patient’s requirements
- Select and use locating devices or guides to apply the appropriate horizontal and vertical planes for the radiograph
- Use accessories when appropriate according to manufacturers’ instructions
- Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce intraoral image
- Operate intraoral radiographic equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation
- Ensure the patient remains visible throughout the procedure to observe positioning and safety precautions and expose the X-ray
- Remove the exposed intraoral dental radiographic detector package carefully from the mouth
- Separate the packaging and barrier sleeve when required from the detector and label image correctly prior to processing
- Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce an extraoral radiograph
- Operate extraoral radiographic equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation
- Ensure the patient remains visible throughout the procedure to observe positioning and safety precautions, and expose the X-ray
- Undertake, for wet processing only, removal of the exposed extraoral image from the radiographic unit
- Ensure digital radiograph is downloaded correctly
- Label the radiograph with all necessary details for patient identification and time of procedure
- Process and provide quality assurance for the exposed dental radiograph
- View or process the radiograph correctly
- Assess visual qualities of the radiograph and refer to dental practitioner
- Identify and correct processing errors or artefacts
- Identify and critique errors in imaging technique to optimise exposure times for each individual patient
- Mount and store radiographs correctly