Which types of imaging techniques may a dental nurse assist with?

The ability for a dental nurse to assist with intraoral radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) reflects the diverse role they play in the dental practice. Intraoral radiographs are commonly used to capture detailed images of specific areas of a patient's mouth, enabling the dentist to diagnose conditions such as cavities or bone loss.

On the other hand, cone-beam computed tomography is an advanced imaging technique that provides three-dimensional images of dental structures and tissues, which is crucial for complex diagnoses and treatment planning, especially in implantology and orthodontics.

Understanding and assisting in both imaging techniques allows dental nurses to be integral members of the dental team, facilitating better patient care by ensuring accurate imaging and efficient workflow. This breadth of responsibility is essential in modern dental practice, as it allows for comprehensive assessments and treatment planning.

The incorrect options, such as limiting the imaging techniques to just panoramic radiographs or only three-dimensional X-rays, do not account for the wide range of imaging modalities that a dental nurse might be trained to assist with, thereby underestimating their role and the capabilities of modern dental imaging technologies.