DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

Which angle contributes to the optimal alignment of the x-ray beam during the paralleling technique?

1. Right angle

2. Acute angle

3. Obtuse angle

4. Supplemental angle

The correct answer is: Right angle

The optimal alignment of the x-ray beam during the paralleling technique is achieved using a right angle. In this context, the term "right angle" refers to the 90-degree angle formed between the x-ray beam and the film or sensor. This positioning minimizes distortion and ensures that the image accurately represents the anatomical structures being examined. The right angle helps to maintain the relationships between the x-ray beam, the object (in this case, the teeth), and the imaging receptor, enhancing the clarity and diagnostic quality of the radiograph. Utilizing a right angle in the paralleling technique also helps in achieving accurate measurements of the dental structures, as the vertical and horizontal relationships of the teeth and surrounding bone are appropriately represented without foreshortening or elongation. This technique is essential for obtaining high-quality diagnostic images, making the right angle critical for effective radiographic practice.