DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

What is the highest voltage reached during an exposure in a dental x-ray tube called?

1. kvp peak

2. millamperage

3. millamperage seconds

4. none of the above

The correct answer is: kvp peak

The highest voltage reached during an exposure in a dental x-ray tube is referred to as the kilovoltage peak (kVp peak). This term is critical in the context of dental radiography because it determines the energy and penetrating power of the x-ray beam. A higher kVp peak results in x-rays that are more penetrating, which can improve image quality and reduce the amount of radiation required to produce an acceptable diagnostic image. Kilovoltage peak is measured in kilovolts (kV) and indicates the maximum potential difference in the tube during exposure. It plays a vital role in the contrast and density of the resultant radiographic image. By setting the appropriate kVp, a dental professional can adjust the exposure parameters to optimize image clarity while minimizing patient radiation exposure. In contrast, milliamperage (mA) refers to the current and affects the quantity of x-rays produced, while milliamperage-seconds (mAs), the product of milliamperage and exposure time, relates to the total amount of x-rays generated during an exposure. These parameters, while important in radiographic technique, are not synonymous with kVp peak and do not indicate the maximum voltage reached during an exposure.