Raya Alghabban

Radiology Reflection

        I am feeling progress in radiology, but I still have areas to improve. One technique that I need to focus on is the correct positioning of the sensor, particularly with challenging angles or patients who have a gag reflex. Sometimes, I struggle with ensuring the sensor stays in place comfortably, especially with molars or when capturing bitewings.  last week I faced a problem with a patient who has multiple mandibular Tori and I needed to take PA in lower anterior teeth,  the patient was very uncomfortable when I put the sensor, faculty advised me on how to put the sensor without affecting the patient and that happened with the bisecting technique which helps me to ensure the correct position of the sensor and exposure. Also, improving angulation in dental radiology requires attention to technique and practice. 

I learned the paralleling technique helps maintain the correct vertical and horizontal angulation by keeping the sensor parallel to the long axis of the tooth and the central ray perpendicular to the sensor. This reduces distortion and ensures better image quality. In addition, positioning devices like XCP holders can greatly aid in keeping the sensor and beam in proper alignment, these are designed to maintain the correct horizontal and vertical angulation, minimizing errors caused by freehand positioning.

     As for time management, I am becoming more aware of how to balance speed and accuracy. At first, I was spending too much time on positioning, which caused delays. Now, I am focusing on being more efficient, but there’s still a learning curve in finding that balance between moving quickly and ensuring. By practicing efficient patient setup and equipment positioning, I can reduce downtime and enhance overall workflow.

     Regarding retakes, they have decreased as I gain more experience, but I still experience a few, mostly due to positioning errors or incorrect angulation. So, reducing retakes in radiology is essential to minimize patient exposure to radiation, improve efficiency, and ensure high-quality diagnostic images. If there are frequent retakes, it may be a sign that technique or positioning needs improvement. By analyzing why retakes occur whether due to patient movement, positioning, or other factors, I can work on strategies to reduce them. Improving these aspects will help me deliver more precise, efficient, and safer imaging outcomes. I am planning to practice more on patient positioning and angulation and seek feedback from instructors on areas where I can adjust.

                  01/27/2025

      One of the most crucial parts of dentistry that depends on the diagnosis and treatment of the patient is the radiology technique. When I first take the X-ray to the patient, I feel that I am making a good process and that gives me confidence to improve my skills. I am becoming more comfortable with equipment handling, patient positioning, and understanding radiographic anatomy. While there are challenges, such as ensuring proper angulation and minimizing patient discomfort, each session gives me the opportunity to refine my technique.

  While techniques I need to improve are really needed to improve angulation. Achieving the correct horizontal and vertical angulation is essential for minimizing overlaps in interproximal areas and avoiding foreshortening or elongation in images. I faced some problems with kids who were 5-6 years old. When I wanted to take a bitewing radiograph, I noticed that improper positioning had led to less accurate results, and that made me retake the X-ray more times to get a good image in the end. Radiology technique depends on accuracy and skills and patient position to get a proper image and that makes it easy for dental hygiene or dentists to evaluate and diagnose the patients.

  Time management has been a mixed experience. While I have improved in setting up the equipment and guiding the patient, I sometimes find myself spending too much time adjusting for placement. In addition, When I take an FMS radiograph, I spend a lot of time taking it. I feel the patient looks tired, especially when I need to retake some of these images, so I want to practice taking x -rays in less time without any retake which helps me to improve my ability to stay on schedule and reduce the risk of patient fatigue.

     Most of the retake images were due to minor errors, such as slightly missed apices or cone cuts, which indicate the need for more careful attention to sensor placement and alignment.  In addition, the patient position, such as PA image in the posterior teeth with a horizontal angle when I took 3^rd molar with 2mm backward. I must adjust the position of the sensor and exposure to get a good image without retake.  So that I have reduce retake image is a priority, as this directly impacts patient safety and minimizing radiation exposure.

  By identifying these areas and working on my technique, efficiency, and accuracy, I am confident I can give my patients better care and improve to radiography.