Chapter 17: Quality Assurance in the Dental Office
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module chapter, you will be able to:
17.1
- Define the key terms associated with quality assurance in the dental office.
- List quality control tests and quality administration procedures that should be included in the quality assurance plan.
- Discuss the purpose and frequency of testing dental x-ray machines.
- Describe the tests used to check for fresh film and adequate screen-film contact; discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
17.2
- Describe the test used to check for darkroom light leaks and proper safelighting; discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
- Describe the test used to check the automatic processor; discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
- List the three tests used to check the strength of the developer solution.
- Describe the preparation of the reference radiograph and the standard stepwedge radiograph; discuss the use of these radiographs to compare densities and to monitor the strength of the developer solution.
- Describe the test used to check the strength of the fixer; discuss the frequency of testing and the interpretation of test results.
17.3
- Discuss quality control tests needed for digital imaging procedures.
- Discuss the basic elements of a quality administration program.
- Detail the importance of operator competence in dental radiographic procedures.
