Q: Which radiographic error caused this “flat” smile?
- .Lead collar is above the line
- .The chin is tipped down too far
- .The chin is tipped up too far
- .The patient’s head is twisted
The Dental Assisting Board Exams (RHS®, GC) may show you panoramic radiographs and ask you what type of error was made. There is a whole list of errors that you need to memorize! As we know, there are lots of little things to take care of when we take a panoramic for our patients. Today, let’s learn the 4 types of errors described above.
In an ideal situation, there should be a slight smile line in the panoramic radiograph.
- If the chin is tipped up too far, the smile line disappears and becomes “flat.”
- If the chin is tipped down too far, the smile line becomes exaggerated.
- If the patient’s head is twisted, one side of the oral structures will appear bigger than the other side.
- The lead collar above the neckline will create a “shark’s fin” error.
And also, remember that the lead apron is worn like a poncho, with the opened surface towards the front of the torso.
Answer: (C). The chin is tipped up too far
Please make sure to review all radiographic errors for the Dental Assisting Board Exams. This may be important for your school exams too. The textbook is fantastic, it gives you pretty much everything you need to know. But if you need something easier to read, consider SmarterDA Dental Assisting Board Review courses. The chapter on Radiology features images with bullet point notes because who needs “fluff?”
Hope these SmarterDA FREE mini-reviews are helping you absorb information little by little for the Dental Assisting Board Exams (RHS®, ICE®, GC, Coronal Polishing and more). And of course, for our Canadian subscribers, this information applies to you too! Share your knowledge with your friends, because the world is a better place with amazing dental assistants like you.
SmarterDA wishes you #SuccessAndNothingLess!
Author: Claire RDH, CDA, MS
Claire is the founder of StudentRDH and SmarterDA – exams prep solutions for the dental hygiene and dental assisting students. The exam review online solutions quickly became the #1 choice among students. “Studying is now “addictive!”
Prior to her career in the dental field, Claire Jeong was an education specialist at Boston Children’s Museum. Claire is licensed to practice in the United States and Canada. She can be reached at ClaireJ@SmarterDA.com and support@SmarterDA.com.