indirect digital radiography Indirect digital radiography is a synonym for storage phosphor plates (PSP). Often times, dentists find this topic to be quite confusing; some may even think it strictly pertains to direct digital sensors with a cabled sensor attached to the computer.

The PSP plate handles exactly the way conventional film handles in a clinical sense. With that said, the Rinn kit is the same, the placement of the holder in the mouth clinically is the same, etc. The differences are in how the PSP plates are processed after exposure, cleared and then packaged for re-use.

For offices contemplating a switch to digital from film, the transition to a PSP intraoral system will be the system that is the most like film – as far as the clinical techniques are concerned. Therefore, clinicians are choosing to demonstrate the PSP system with the Rinn positioner kit instead of film. Again, the clinical use of traditional film and the indirect digital technique of PSP are identical. Of course, the PSP system should use less radiation exposure – but that does not affect the use of the kit itself.

In our new course, Using Positioners for Indirect Digital Radiography, Dr. Jeffrey Price goes over the advantages and benefits of utilizing indirect digital radiography in the dental practice.

After viewing this lesson on indirect digital radiography, you'll have a better understanding of:



  • Placement of film in positioner

  • Placement of positioner in the patient's mouth

  • Placement of x-ray head against film positioner


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Denise Prichard is the Editor for Spear Education.

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