Radiation Effects and

Our Patients
Zenaida Ruby Baca, BS, RDH, MS candidate
Zenaida.baca@ucsf.edu

Nooo

Learning Objectives
The students will be able to define the following
concepts by the end of the lecture
short and long-term exposure
somatic and genetic mutations
radioresistant and radiosensitive

The student will be able to list three ways to

reassure patients when they are concerned with

taking dental radiographs by the end of the lecture.

Short and Long-Term

Exposure
Short- term exposure
large amount of radiation within a short period

Short-Term Effect

Short and Long-Term

Exposure
Long- term exposure
small amount of radiation over a long period of time

Long-Term Effect

Radiation Effects on Cells

Radiation effects all types of cells
1. Somatic Cells
all cells except reproductive cells
2. Genetic Cells
reproductive cells

Radiation Effects
Radiation Effects

Somatic mutation
affect the individual
exposed

Genetic mutation affect

the offspring of the
individual exposed

-Poor Health
-Cancer
-Leukemia
-Cataracts

Somatic Mutation

Offspring

10

Genetic Mutation

Offspring

11

Radiation Effects on Cells

Two types of cells
radiosensitive and radioresistant

Response of cells is determined by

Mitotic activity
Cell differentiation
Cell metabolism

12

Tissue/Organ Sensitivity
Radiosensitive

Radioresistant

Skin

Salivary glands

Oral mucosa

Mature bone and

Lens of eyes

cartilage

Muscle and nerve

tissue

13

Radiation Exposure

14

Patient Reassurance
Dental Radiation
Dental radiographs are highly unlikely to cause
serious damage

Dental radiographs are custom-ordered

Protective factors are in place
Good exposure technique and careful processing

15

Conclusion
Dental radiation is a
Long-term effect

Somatic and genetic cells are affected by radiation

Somatic mutations affects the individual
Genetic mutations affect the offspring

16

Conclusion Continued
Cells are radioresistant or radiosensitive
Patient reassurance
Dental radiographs are highly unlikely to cause
damage

Dental radiographs are custom-ordered

Protective factors are in place
Good exposure technique and careful processing

17

Questions?

18

Work Cited
Iannucci, Joen M., and Laura Jansen. Howerton.

Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques. St.

Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders, 2012. Print.

Images from www.google.com

19