OSCE Practice – Bitewing Technique & Caries Detection
Practise recognising and applying bitewing radiography techniques for caries detection in a dental setting, following NEBDN OSCE expectations.
Scenario
A patient attends for a routine dental check-up. The dentist requests bitewing radiographs to assess for interproximal caries. On reviewing the images, you notice overlapping contacts and diagnostic difficulty.
Your Task
- Identify the radiographic error
- Determine the cause of overlapping contacts
- Apply corrective measures
- Recommend appropriate technique
- Support accurate caries detection
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Key Learning Points
- Overlapping contacts are caused by incorrect horizontal angulation of the X-ray beam
- Correct horizontal angulation ensures the beam passes through contact points
- The paralleling technique with a holder provides reproducible and accurate bitewings
- Bitewing radiographs are primarily used for detecting interproximal caries and bone levels
- Bitewings can detect recurrent caries beneath restorations