VCU Dental Radiation Safety Certification Practice Test

Increasing the exposure time in dental radiography leads to an increased radiation dose to the patient. This is because longer exposure times allow more radiation to reach the tissues being imaged, thus increasing the total amount of radiation the patient receives during the procedure.

In radiographic imaging, the amount of radiation required is carefully calibrated to produce a quality image while minimizing the dose to the patient. When exposure time is extended, it results in higher cumulative radiation exposure. This is particularly pertinent in dental radiography, where the goal is to obtain a clear and diagnostic image while maintaining radiation safety standards.

Therefore, it's crucial for dental professionals to balance the need for adequate imaging with the principle of minimizing radiation exposure to protect patients effectively.