In dental radiography, the side of the film packet that faces away from the x-ray tube is called the

• A. Emulsion Side
• B. Tube Side
• C. Film Base
• D. Cover Side

Answer: (A)

The side that actually records the image is the emulsion side—the light-sensitive coating that forms the latent image when exposed to x-rays. In dental film packets, this emulsion-coated surface should face toward the patient (away from the x-ray tube) so the x-ray photons pass through the tooth and interact with the emulsion, creating the radiographic image. The side toward the tube is the tube side, which is smooth and ready to receive the tube’s exposure; the base is just the plastic support behind the emulsion, and the cover side refers to the outer wrapper.