TEACH Lesson Plan
17 Paralleling Technique
CHAPTER LESSON PLAN & OBJECTIVES
Lesson 17.1: Paralleling Technique
1. Define the key terms associated with the paralleling technique.
2. State the basic principle of the paralleling technique and illustrate the placement of the receptor,
beam alignment device, position-indicating device (PID), and central ray.
3. Discuss how object-receptor distance affects the image and how target-receptor distance is used to
compensate for such changes.
4. Describe why a beam alignment device is necessary with the paralleling technique.
5. List the beam alignment devices that can be used with the paralleling technique.
6. Identify and label the parts of the Rinn XCP instruments.
CHAPTER TEACHING FOCUS
• Students will have the opportunity to learn about the basic concepts and describe patient preparation,
equipment preparation, and receptor placement procedures used in the paralleling technique.
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 2
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
CHAPTER PRETEST
Have the students answer these questions prior to covering this chapter to understand where they stand
in relation to the content.
1) What is the first step in obtaining quality radiographs?
a) Processing
b) Exposure c) Mounting
d) Patient preparation
2) What do the initials XCP represent?
a) X-ray cone paralleling
b) Extension cone paralleling c) X-ray crown paralleling
d) Extension cut positioning
3) When exposing receptors using paralleling technique, which area should you begin with?
a) Right posterior
b) Left posterior c) Bite-wings
d) Anterior
4) Parallel is defined as:
a) an angle of 90 degrees formed by two
lines perpendicular to each other.
b) to cut across or through.
c) moving or lying in the same plane,
always separated by the same distance
and not intersecting.
d) intersecting at or forming a right angle.
8) The recommended posterior periapical sequence for the Rinn XCP instruments starts with the _____
quadrant.
a) maxillary left
b) maxillary right c) mandibular left
d) mandibular right
9) When the patient has a shallow palate requiring a modification in technique:
a) the patient can be asked to tilt the head
to one side.
b) two cotton rolls can be placed, one on
each side of the bite-block.
c) the vertical angulation can be increased
by 15 to 25 degrees more than the XCP
instrument indicates.
d) dental images cannot be taken.
10) It is recommended that each receptor be placed in the bite-block with the dot:
a) down.
b) up. c) mesial.
d) in the slot.
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 3
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
CHAPTER PRETEST ANSWERS
1) d
After seating the patient, the dental radiographer must prepare the patient before the exposure of any
receptors.
p. 155
8) b
The recommended posterior periapical sequence for the Rinn XCP instruments starts with the
maxillary right quadrant.
p. 156
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 4
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
Classroom Preparation
Lesson 17.1: Paralleling Technique
INSTRUCTOR PREPARATION
Textbook Objectives Covered
1. Define the key terms associated with the paralleling technique.
2. State the basic principle of the paralleling technique and illustrate the placement of the receptor,
beam alignment device, position-indicating device (PID), and central ray.
3. Discuss how object-receptor distance affects the image and how target-receptor distance is used to
compensate for such changes.
National Standards Covered
ABHES DAI (Dental Assisting I – Basic)
• Section A: Curriculum, Competencies, Externship and/or Internal Clinical Experience:
• Clinical equipment function and maintenance: Operate dental equipment according to
ABHES DAII (Dental Assisting II – Advanced)
• Section A: Curriculum, Competencies, Externship and/or Internal Clinical Experience:
• Clinical equipment function and maintenance: Operate dental equipment according to
manufacturer’s guidelines and institutional policy. (6.b)
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 5
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
National Standards Covered (Continued)
CODA Standards for Dental Assisting Programs
• Standard 2: Educational Program:
• The curriculum must include content at the in-depth level in dental radiology. Students must
CODA Standards for Dental Hygiene Programs
• Standard 2: Educational Program:
Lesson Preparation Checklist
• Prepare lecture from TEACH lecture slides available on Evolve.
Materials and Supplies
• bite-block
Instructor Note
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 6
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
Classroom Preparation
Lesson 17.1: Paralleling Technique
STUDENT PREPARATION (7* hrs)
1
READ – Textbook (pp. 152-169)
ANSWER – Textbook
reverse. Bring cards to class for an activity.
2
READ – Textbook (pp. 152-153)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions:
• Multiple Choice, questions 17, 19-21 (p. 174)
• Essay, question 26 (p. 174)
ANSWER – Workbook Module 3: Radiographer and Techniques Basics
• Drawing Exercise: Basic Concepts, questions 1-5 (p. 104)
• Multiple Choice: Parallel vs. Perpendicular, questions 1–8 (p. 104)
4
READ – Textbook (p. 154)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions: Essay, question 27 (p. 174)
5
READ – Textbook (pp. 154-155)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions: Short Answer, question 14 (p. 173)
6
READ – Textbook (pp. 154-155)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions:
• Matching, questions 3-8 (p. 173)
• Short Answer, questions 10, 11 (p. 173)
7
• Matching, questions 1, 2 (p. 173)
8
• Quiz Questions: Essay, question 28 (p. 174)
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 7
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
STUDENT PREPARATION (7* hrs) (Continued)
9
READ – Textbook (pp. 155-156)
• Procedure 17-1: Patient Preparation for Paralleling Technique (p. 156)
• Procedure 17-2: Equipment Preparation for Paralleling Technique (pp. 157-158)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions:
• Short Answer, question 15 (p. 173)
• Essay, question 29 (p. 174)
• Essay, question 30 (p. 174)
11
• Drawing Exercise, questions 1-7 (p. 106)
READ – Textbook (pp. 156-160)
• Procedure 17-3: Maxillary Canine Exposure: Paralleling Technique (p. 161)
• Procedure 17-4: Maxillary Incisor Exposure: Paralleling Technique (p. 162)
• Procedure 17-5: Mandibular Canine Exposure: Paralleling Technique (p. 163)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions: Essay, questions 31, 32 (p. 174)
ANSWER – Workbook Module 3: Radiographer and Techniques Basics
• Multiple Choice: RINN Devices, questions 1-8 (p. 105)
12
READ – Textbook (pp. 160–170)
ANSWER – Textbook
• Quiz Questions:
• Multiple Choice, question 23 (p. 174)
• Essay, question 33 (p. 174)
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 8
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
STUDENT PREPARATION (7* hrs) (Continued)
All
PRACTICE – Laboratory Manual*
• Module 8: Paralleling Technique (pp. 419-426, 429-436, 439-446)
ANSWER – Laboratory Manual*
• Module 8: Paralleling Technique (pp. 427, 437, 447)
REVIEW – Laboratory Manual*
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 9
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
50-Minute Lesson Plan
Lesson 17.1: Paralleling Technique
LECTURE OUTLINE (20 min)
1
&
2
3
RECEPTOR DISTANCE: SLIDE 10 (pp. 153-154)
• Discuss how object-receptor distance affects the image and how target-receptor distance is
BEAM ALIGNMENT DEVICES: SLIDE 12 (pp. 154-155)
6
KEY TERMS AND PARALLELING TECHNIQUE: SLIDES 6-9 (pp. 152-169)
• Discuss the key terms associated with the paralleling technique.
• Describe the basic principle of the paralleling technique and illustrate the placement of the
• Describe and label the parts of the Rinn XCP instruments.
7
RECEPTORS: SLIDE 15 (p. 155)
• Describe the different sizes of receptors used with the paralleling technique and how each
receptor is placed in the bite-block.
8
9
PARALLELING TECHNIQUE PREPARATIONS: SLIDES 17–19 (pp. 155-156)
• Describe the patient and equipment preparations that are necessary before using the
MODIFICATIONS: SLIDES 22–25 (pp. 160-170)
• Discuss the modifications in the paralleling technique that are used for a patient with a shallow
PARALLELING TECHNIQUE RULES: SLIDE 16 (p. 155)
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the paralleling technique.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES (choose one or more to equal 30 min)
1
&
2
REVIEW (15 min)
• Using key term flash cards that the students completed as a homework assignment, have the
students quiz each other with the flash cards. Correct their pronunciation as needed.
• Appropriate Settings: Traditional classroom, flipped classroom
• See the Simulations activities at the end of this Lesson Plan.
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 10
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
LEARNING ACTIVITIES (choose one or more to equal 30 min) (Continued)
5
PRACTICE (20 min)
• Divide the class into small groups. Have each group practice placing each of the different film
holders used for paralleling technique on a typodont. Give correction as needed.
• Appropriate Settings: Traditional classroom, flipped classroom
6
DEMONSTRATE
• See the Simulations activities at the end of this Lesson Plan.
DEMONSTRATE (20 min)
film on their own.
• Appropriate Settings: Traditional classroom, flipped classroom
POST & COMMENT (10 min)
• Post the Critical Thinking Question for this lesson on the Evolve discussion board. Students
offer critical feedback to at least two other students.
• Appropriate Setting: Online
9
PRACTICE
• See the Simulations activities at the end of this Lesson Plan.
10
&
11
each of the guidelines on a typodont with a partner. Give feedback as needed.
CREATE (20 min)
• Divide the class into small groups, and have each group create educational materials to list
and explain the anterior and posterior exposure sequence. Have each group share its
materials with the class.
• Appropriate Settings: Traditional classroom, flipped classroom
• Appropriate Settings: Traditional classroom, flipped classroom
12
DISCUSS (15 min)
• Lead the class in a discussion on the precautions to take when taking radiographs on a patient
who has a shallow palate, bony growths, and a sensitive mandibular molar region.
• Appropriate Settings: Traditional classroom, flipped classroom
13
DISCUSS (15 min)
• Divide the class into small groups and have each group discuss the advantages and
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 11
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION
After exposing and processing radiographs, the dental radiographer notices that all four of the
bite-wing radiographs have overlapped contact areas and cone-cuts. Why did these errors
happen and what can the dental radiographer do to correct them?
Discussion Guidelines: Bite-wing radiographs are used to detect interproximal decay, so it is very
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 12
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
Assessments
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique
ASSESSMENTS BY OBJECTIVE
1
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, question 1
Workbook Module 3: Radiographer and Techniques Basics
• Basic Terminology Crossword Puzzle, questions 1-7 (p. 103)
• Multiple Choice: Parallel vs. Perpendicular, questions 1–8 (p. 104)
3
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 3, 4, 5, 27
5
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 6-8
6
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, question 29
7
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 9, 10
8
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 30–32
9
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 33–35
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 11–17
11
• Periapical Assessment Exercise 3 (p. 110)
Workbook Module 3: Radiographer and Techniques Basics
• Critical Thinking Question 8 (p. 112)
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, question 22
• Module 12: Paralleling Technique: Peer Patient Complete Mouth Series (pp. 467–470)
Evolve Instructor Resources
• Test Bank: Multiple Choice, questions 21, 23-26
Workbook Module 3: Radiographer and Techniques Basics
• Multiple Choice: RINN Devices, questions 1-8 (p. 105)
• Drawing Exercise, questions 1-7 (p. 106)
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 13
TEACH Lesson Plan
IANNUCCI AND HOWERTON: Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th Edition
Simulations
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique
SIMULATIONS BY OBJECTIVE
Paralleling Technique (15 min)
2
Equipment Needed
• dental x-ray equipment
students use the typodont to practice the technique.
Rinn XCP Assembly (15 min)
6
Equipment Needed
• Rinn XCP
DEMONSTRATE
• Demonstrate the assembly of the Rinn XCP. After the demonstration, have students identify
• Left
Patient and Equipment Preparation for Paralleling Technique (50 min)
9
Equipment Needed
• dental x-ray chair
• lead apron
• thyroid collar
PRACTICE – Textbook
• Procedure 17-1: Patient Preparation for Paralleling Technique (p. 156): Demonstrate to the
class the proper patient preparation steps when using the paralleling technique. Divide the
technique; let each of the students practice the procedure.
Exposures Using Paralleling Technique (15 min each)
11
Equipment Needed
• aiming ring
• bite-block
• position-indicating device (PID)
Chapter 17: Paralleling Technique 14
TEACH Lesson Plan
SIMULATIONS BY OBJECTIVE (Continued)
11
(Continued)
PRACTICE – Textbook
• Procedure 17-3: Maxillary Canine Exposure: Paralleling Technique (p. 161): Demonstrate to
the class the prescribed procedures to be followed when using the paralleling technique for
maxillary canine exposures. After the demonstration, let each of the students practice the
procedure.
• Procedure 17-7: Maxillary Premolar Exposure: Paralleling Technique (p. 165): Demonstrate to
the class the prescribed procedures to be followed when using the paralleling technique for
maxillary premolar exposures. After the demonstration, let each of the students practice the
procedure.
• Procedure 17-8: Maxillary Molar Exposure: Paralleling Technique (p. 166): Demonstrate to the
class the prescribed procedures to be followed when using the paralleling technique for
maxillary molar exposures. After the demonstration, let each of the students practice the
procedure.