National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

When duplicating x-rays manually, what is the most likely error if the images appear dark?

1. The exposure time was too short

2. The film was overexposed

3. The emulsion side of duplicating paper was facing up

4. The developing solution was too weak

The correct answer is: The emulsion side of duplicating paper was facing up

The option stating that the emulsion side of the duplicating paper was facing up addresses a common mistake during the manual duplication process of x-rays. When duplicating x-rays, the duplicating film must be properly oriented to ensure optimal image transfer from the original film to the duplicating material. If the emulsion side, which is sensitive to radiation, is facing up, it will not properly capture the image from the original x-ray, leading to inadequate exposure and potentially resulting in a darkened or unclear image. In this context, understanding the characteristics of the duplicating paper and the importance of its emulsion side orientation is crucial. This sensitivity is why proper handling and placement are necessary to achieve the best results when duplicating x-ray images. Being aware of this detail helps prevent unnecessary errors and ensures high-quality duplicates, which are vital for accurate dental assessments.