Question

The dentist has purchased new equipment—a digital radiology computer—and the dental office team members are happy and anxious to share with their patients all of the equipment’s useful features. Sue is the dental assistant responsible for preparing the equipment for the first patient.

1) Describe equipment preparation steps.

Answer 1

The preparation steps for the digital radiology computer before the first patient are as follows:

1. Conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment to ensure that it is working correctly and is clean and free of any defects or damage.

2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up the equipment, including connecting any necessary cables and accessories.

3. Test the equipment to ensure that it is functioning correctly and that all of the features are working as intended.

4. Ensure that the equipment is properly calibrated and that any necessary settings are adjusted to suit the patient's needs.

5. Train the dental office team members on how to use the equipment properly and safely.

6. Prepare the patient for the radiography procedure by explaining the process and any necessary precautions.

7. Position the patient correctly and safely for the radiography procedure, and ensure that all necessary safety equipment is in place.

8. Use the digital radiology computer to capture high-quality images of the patient's teeth and mouth.

9. Review the images with the dentist to ensure that they are of sufficient quality and that any necessary adjustments are made.

10. Provide the patient with any necessary follow-up instructions and schedule any necessary appointments.