VCU Dental Radiation Safety Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free Dental Radiation Safety Practice Questions and Study Guide

Before exposing a patient to dental radiographs, it is essential to ensure that the patient is properly shielded and that the indication for radiography is justified. Proper shielding, such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars, minimizes radiation exposure to the patient, thereby reducing the risk of potential harm from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Additionally, justifying the need for the radiograph is crucial in adhering to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which aims to keep radiation exposure to the minimum necessary to achieve the required diagnostic information. This step involves assessing the patient's clinical condition and determining whether the benefits of taking the radiograph outweigh any potential risks associated with the exposure.

While obtaining verbal consent from the patient, ensuring protective gear for the dental assistant, and cleaning the equipment are important practices in the overall procedure, they do not directly address the immediate concerns of patient safety and justification of the radiographic procedure prior to exposure. These factors are secondary to the primary need to protect the patient and ensure the necessity of the imaging.