Digital Radiography Advantages — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyRadiology & ImagingDigital Radiography AdvantagesORE Part 1

For an appropriately exposed intra-oral dental radiograph, which is a principal advantage of a digital image receptor over conventional film?

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Correct answer: A — It can reduce patient radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality

Explanation lettering: E = shown as D · D = shown as E

A is correct. For intra-oral imaging, UK patient-dose data show that digital systems are typically associated with lower doses than film; the median dose reported for digital systems was 20–30% lower than for F-speed film. Dose reduction depends on correct exposure selection and is not guaranteed for every digital modality, hence the stem specifies appropriately exposed intra-oral radiography. B is incorrect because digital imaging does not consistently exceed film in spatial resolution. C is false: digital sensors, phosphor plates and holders require appropriate infection prevention and decontamination measures. D is false because every medical exposure still requires justification under IR(ME)R. E is false: digital imaging does not reliably reveal root fractures that a properly taken conventional film image cannot show.

Reference: Public Health England. PHE-CRCE-59: Dose to patients from dental radiographic X-ray imaging procedures in the UK – 2017 review, 2019, p. 17 (Digital imaging). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f60e3d6e90e072bbfa0bcb5/2019_dental_NDRL_report.pdf