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Marianne Dryer: Taking Diagnostically Acceptable Radiographs – The Importance of Being a Straight Shooter

  • Zoom Online South Portland, ME, 04106 United States (map)

Marianne Dryer is a dynamic speaker, educator and corporate consultant in curriculum development. She has lectured nationally and internationally on periodontal instrumentation with a focus on ultrasonic technique, risk assessment, infection prevention and radiology technique. Marianne’s experience in dentistry spans over 30 years. She is a graduate of Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Old Dominion University and received her Master’s in Education from St Joseph’s College of Maine. Marianne was the first year coordinator at Collin College in Dallas Texas for six years where she was selected for the Outstanding Faculty Award and was nominated for the Advisor of the Year. She has been a faculty member at Cape Cod Community College since 2007, and Program Director since 2019. Marianne is also a Periodontal Instrumentation Instructor for DH Methods of Education, Inc., an educational program for dental and dental hygiene faculty. She has been a strong advocate for introducing ultrasonic instrumentation into dental hygiene curriculums earlier and with more structured, foundational content.


The need for quality, predictable, diagnostically acceptable radiographs while minimizing radiation for the patient is at the core of providing evidence based dentistry. Achieving optimum clinical outcomes can be sacrificed through utilizing radiographs of poor quality. Clinicians have a varying level of experience and background in dental radiography and many desire updated instruction on technique with digital sensors or phosphor plates. Newer technologies and aiming devices have evolved and adapting technique is often necessary. Compliance with state requirements is often in accordance with patient safety. This course will also examine a variety of ways to ensure patient safety while achieving predictable quality radiographic images.


Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

  • Examine the critical role radiographs play in the assessment and diagnosis of dental disease

  • Recognize advantages, varieties and limitations of digital xray systems

  • Identify common errors clinicians experience and solutions to overcome these

  • Examine the products available to help the clinician achieve radiographic success

  • Explore trends in radiographic technology and additional training needed to recognize disease and anomalies in varying image systems

  • Understand the rules and regulations pertaining to state requirements and other governing agencies