Think about how much dentists depend on the bitewing radiograph for diagnosis, and how much information this simple film, if properly exposed, can reveal. Without careful attention to detail, full potential of this imaging technique will not be achieved. Every practice has had the experience of having an assistant leave the office just as they were consistently producing high quality radiographs. This Guide is designed to assist with that problem. It can be useful to the individual seeking to improve their radiographic skills, but perhaps more importantly, it serve as the starting point for the new employee who will assume responsibility for radiographic studies. The guide is concise, practical and has been well received by practices across the country.

Despite the increasing popularity of digital imaging systems, many diagnostic images taken in the dental practice are conventional radiographic exposures developed by manual and/or automatic processes. When one takes the time and effort to properly position and expose a diagnostic film, it&rsquo\;s frustrating to have it rendered as little or no diagnostic value by faulty processing, a totally preventable problem. Beginning with the design of the darkroom, the prevention of light leaks and the use of safelights, this Quality Resource Guide describes requirements of both manual and automatic processing. The narrative discussions, and an easily referenced table, outline the steps that lead to high quality films. In addition, various quality control tests for x-ray equipment are included in a table that could be easily used as a check list.