Question

1. You are the person in your office assigned the responsibility of replenishing and maintaining the processing solutions. What tasks will you have to perform, and how often will you need to do them?

2. You are using a stepwedge film to evaluate the quality of the developer solution. You note that the middle density on the daily film is much lighter than the middle density on the stepwedge film. What is the problem, and how do you solve it?

3. Mrs. Johnstone, a patient in your office, stops by one morning and asks to pick up her radiographs because she is moving to another city. Kathy, the receptionist, explains to Mrs. Johnstone that her films need to be duplicated, which will take some time. Mrs. Johnstone becomes angry and wants her films immediately, saying, “Those films belong to me. I paid for them, and I want them.” What should Kathy tell Mrs. Johnstone?

answer each question with 2-4 sentences

Answer 1

1. You will check solution levels and temperatures and replenish developer and fixer with the appropriate replenisher at the start (and often midway) of each day, run and record a daily test film/stepwedge, and record solution strength/temperature in the log. You will also clean processor parts (rollers, feed trays, water traps) daily or weekly per manufacturer instructions and replace the developer and fixer when tests indicate exhaustion or on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer (commonly every 2–6 weeks depending on use). Keep accurate logs, follow manufacturer instructions for mixing/replenishing, and monitor for contamination or odor.

2. A much lighter middle density on the daily film compared with the reference stepwedge indicates underdevelopment—most often exhausted developer, low developer temperature, or insufficient development time. Check and correct the developer temperature and replenishment rate, run another test after mixing or replacing the developer solution, and replace the developer if it is exhausted.

3. Kathy should explain that the original radiographs are part of the office’s medical record and are typically retained by the practice, but Mrs. Johnstone is entitled to copies or duplicates and the office can provide them (often for a reasonable copying fee) or send/transmit images to her new dentist. Offer to make the duplicates immediately or arrange prompt delivery and, if required, obtain a signed release or transfer authorization.