Dental Assistant Practice Exam

In which situation would a dental assistant likely prefer the bisecting angle technique over the paralleling technique?

1. When there are anatomical limitations

2. When film size is small

3. When the patient is cooperative

4. When the X-ray equipment is unavailable

The correct answer is: When there are anatomical limitations

The bisecting angle technique is often preferred in situations where anatomical limitations prevent the use of the paralleling technique. This can occur in cases where patients have unusual anatomical features such as a shallow palate, the presence of a torus, or other irregularities that make it difficult to position the film parallel to the long axis of the tooth. By utilizing the bisecting angle technique, the dental assistant can position the film more adaptively, aligning the central ray to bisect the angle formed between the long axis of the tooth and the film. This flexibility allows for more accurate imaging in challenging oral environments that can’t accommodate the straightforward positioning required by the paralleling technique. In contrast, the other scenarios listed may not necessitate this technique; for example, if a patient is cooperative or if an appropriate film size is available, the paralleling technique would likely be easier and more effective. Also, the unavailability of X-ray equipment does not pertain to the choice of technique, as neither would be utilized without equipment.