Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What effect can static electricity on a film prior to processing have?

1. Blurred image

2. Dark spots or lines

3. Reduced contrast

4. Increased exposure

The correct answer is: Dark spots or lines

Static electricity on a film prior to processing can lead to the formation of dark spots or lines on the developed radiographs. This phenomenon occurs because static discharge can cause localized areas of heightened energy on the film, which can affect the emulsion. When the film is processed, these areas appear darker compared to the surrounding areas, resulting in the characteristic dark spots or lines. Static electricity often results from the interaction of the film with other materials, leading to the accumulation of an electrical charge. When this charged film is developed, the areas affected by static tend to react differently to the chemicals in the developer, creating these visual artifacts. Understanding this effect is crucial for dental practitioners to ensure they minimize static-related artifacts and produce high-quality radiographs.