Navigating life together
Author Acknowledgements
SALLY M. MAURIELLO, RDH BS EDD
Adjunct Professor
Division of Comprehensive Oral Health
Department of Periodontology
DAN SHUGARS, DDS PHD MPH
Professor Emeritus
University of North Carolina
Adams School of Dentistry
Chapel Hill, NC
Drs. Mauriello and Shugars have no relevant
relationships to disclose.
The following commentary highlights fundamental and
commonly accepted practices on the subject matter. The
information is intended as a general overview and is for
educational purposes only. This information does not constitute
legal advice, which can only be provided by an attorney.
© Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY.
All materials subject to this copyright may be photocopied
for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational
advancement.
Originally published July 2002.
Updated and revised
October 2005, May 2008, May 2011, December 2014, December
2017 and October 2020.
Expiration date: October 2023.
The content of this Guide is subject to change as new scientific
information becomes available.
Educational Objectives
Following this unit of instruction, the dental team member should be able to:
1.
Describe the characteristics of a diagnostic bitewing radiograph.
2.
Recognize the guidelines for proper receptor placement and beam orientation.
3.
Recognize the common errors found in bitewing projections and their cause.
4.
Describe the ways in which common errors can be avoided.
Introduction
Bitewing radiographs are the most common intraoral radiographic tool used for diagnosis
in dentistry. It is estimated that bitewings account for nearly 60% of all dental radiographic
surveys taken. When combined with thorough clinical examinations, bitewings are a
valuable diagnostic tool. They are excellent aids for the identification of certain types of
pathology, defective restorations, dental caries, and periodontal disease. However, like
most radiographic procedures, bitewings are technique sensitive. To prevent or reduce the
frequency of technique-related problems, this module will describe the characteristics of
good diagnostic bitewings, present three common technique errors, and describe methods
for solving technique errors.
Accepted Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit
11/01/16 - 12/31/20.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental
professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education.
ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors,
nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
MetLife designates this activity for
1.0 continuing education credits
for the review of this Quality Resource Guide and successful completion of the post test.
Seventh Edition
Concerns or complaints
about a CE provider may be directed
to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/goto/cerp.
Address comments or questions to:
DentalQuality@metlife.com
MetLife Dental Continuing Education
501 US Hwy 22, Area 3D-309B
Bridgewater, NJ
08807
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course
can request a full refund by contacting us.
MetLife is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
Quality
Resource Guide
Intraoral Bitewing Radiographic Technique