Module 3: Film Imaging Basics

Module 3 will consist of Chapters 9-11.

Although an increasing number of dental practices are transitioning from film to digital imaging, traditional film continues to be used in dental practices. Consequently, the dental radiographer must be familiar with both film and digital imaging in order to be prepared to work in a variety of dental offices, which module 3 will cover. As long as film continues to be used, an understanding of film processing is needed. Film processing directly affects the quality of dental film. The radiographer must have knowledge of film processing procedures, problems, and solutions. This module will walk you through the various processing techniques and quality control tests required to ensure the quality processing of films. You will be expected to review and identify images associated with processing errors, problems, and solutions in order to avoid re-exposure.  After the film is exposed and processed, the radiographer mounts the radiographs, enabling the dentist to examine them. The dental radiographer must have a thorough knowledge of normal dental anatomy of the maxilla, mandible, and surrounding structures in order to be able to mount films in correct anatomic order.

Chapter 9: Dental X-Ray Film

The purpose Chapter 9:

• To define film composition
• To detail latent image formation
• To describe the types of intraoral, extraoral, and duplicating film used in dental radiography
• To discuss film storage and protection
• Although an increasing number of dental practices are transitioning from film to digital imaging, traditional film continues to be used in many practices, and, consequently, it’s important that dental radiographers are familiar with all of the terminology involved.

Chapter 10: Film Processing

The purpose of Chapter 10:

• To detail film processing procedures
• To describe darkroom requirements
• To discuss manual and automatic film processing to explain film duplication procedures
• To discuss common processing problems and solutions
• Traditional film may continue to be used in some dental practices, so an understanding of film processing is required.

Chapter 11: Film Mounting and Viewing

The purpose of Chapter 11:

• To present the basic concepts of image mounting and image viewing
• To describe the step-by-step procedures that must be followed to prepare for the interpretation of radiographs

Attributions for this Module

Copyright © 2012, 2006, 2000, 1996 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Iannucci & Howerton, Dental Radiography Principles & Techniques, 6th Edition, 2022, Chapters 9-11