Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
10:50
A Finite Element Approach for Locating the Center of Resistance of Maxillary Teeth
Published on: April 8, 2020
10.1K
Utilization of rectangular collimation in dental hygiene programs in the United States
Robin Gatlin1, Justine Ponce1, Elizabeth Wagner2
1Assistant professor, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Summary
Rectangular collimation is taught in most dental hygiene programs but rarely used clinically due to concerns about retakes. Increased clinical practice could improve patient radiation dose reduction.
Area of Science:
- Dental Radiology
- Dental Hygiene Education
Background:
- Rectangular collimation reduces patient effective dose and improves dental radiographic image quality.
- Dental hygiene programs are crucial for educating future dental professionals on radiation safety techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the teaching extent of rectangular collimation in dental hygiene radiology courses (didactic and laboratory).
- To assess the clinical application of rectangular collimation in dental hygiene patient care.
- To identify barriers hindering the use of rectangular collimation in dental hygiene programs.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey was distributed to 311 accredited entry-level dental hygiene program directors in the United States.
- Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, were used to analyze the survey data.
- Ethics approval was obtained prior to data collection.
Main Results:
- A 23% response rate was achieved with 71 participating programs.
- Rectangular collimation is taught didactically in 96% of programs, but only 41% include it in laboratory sessions.
- Only 25% of programs utilize rectangular collimation during patient care, with "concern for increased occurrence of cone cuts, resulting in retakes" cited as the primary barrier by 55% of respondents.
Conclusions:
- Despite widespread didactic teaching of rectangular collimation for dose reduction, limited clinical experience hinders its adoption.
- Addressing concerns about retakes and increasing clinical application of rectangular collimation can promote its continued use by graduates.
- Enhanced clinical practice of rectangular collimation in dental hygiene programs is essential for patient benefit.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.