(A). 100
(B). 300
(C). 1000
(D). 1,000,000
When measuring radiation, there are two types of systems used – Standard (traditional system) and System International (SI, newer system).
- Roentgen (Standard system), Coulomb (C/kg) (SI system): measure the exposure (quantity of ionization in the air). The measurement is taken at the skin surface before radiation penetrates the tissues.
- Rad (Standard system), Gray (Gy) (SI system): measure the absorbed dose (amount of radiation absorbed by an object). Depending on the material, the amount of radiation absorbed will vary.
- Rem (Standard system), Sievert (Sv) (SI system): measure the dose equivalent (absorbed dose “adjusted” to the biological damage potential of the particular type of radiation). Some types of radiation produce greater effects than others.
Now, we have to memorize some numbers for the dental hygiene board exams on top of those definitions.
- 1 Gray = 100 rad
- 1 Sv = 100 rem
Answer: (A). 100
In the image above, I tried to explain how I memorize those numbers because honestly, we all get confused at some point. For example, if the dental hygiene board exams asked you “5000 ram is the equivalent to how many Gray?” will you have an answer in mind quickly? This is how I do it: see 3 letters in rad and see 3 numbers in 100. Can you put them together? 100 rad. All you have to do next is to say 100 Rad = 1 Gray. Same for Rem: see 3 letters in rem and see 3 numbers in 100. Put them together and you get 100 rem. To answer the question I just asked, 5000 rad = 50 Gray (100 rad = 1 Gray). I hope this makes sense!
When someone comes to me after failing the NBDHE (by studying with another tool before finding StudentRDH), I ask to see the report. Radiology is one of the weakest subjects for all students who have failed the NBDHE. So make sure to review radiology as much as possible before taking the National Board Dental Hygiene Examinations (NDBHE). Of course this is relevant to our Canadian students as well because dental hygiene diagnosis all starts with radiographs!
You know you can always find me at clairej@studentRDH!
Mini Boards Reviews for the National + Local Anesthesia Dental Hygiene Boards. Weekly Sample Questions at www.StudentRDH.com. Find COMPLETE review courses too. “I wish I did not spend money on other review courses!” – Bethany, Bergen CC, March 2016