This 16-hour course meets the requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Dentistry and the requirements for the state of NH for Radiographic training and certification.
Prerequisites: This is not an introductory course. The applicant must have some experience working in a dental office and/or should be familiar with dental X-ray machines and their use. Applicants should also have basic knowledge of dental radiology-related concepts and terminology.
Course participants are advised that due to the technical language used in both the written and clinical exams, proficiency in English is strongly recommended. (Translators, including digital translators/phones, are not permitted in the exam room.)
Participants must be 18+ years of age. (No Waivers)
DAY 1: Lecture | 8am–5pm (1 hour lunch break)
Course objectives:
- Describe patient preparation for radiographic exposures
- Describe use and purpose of intraoral and extraoral radiographic images
- Select appropriate radiographic survey to examine or view conditions, teeth or landmarks
- Describe technique modifications based on anatomical variations and clinical conditions
- Select equipment for radiographic technique
- Describe how to acquire radiographic images using various techniques
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of digital radiography
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of conventional film processing
- Evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic value
- Mount radiographic images
- Describe techniques for patient management before, during and after radiographic exposure (e.g., patients with special needs)
- Describe how to prepare radiographic images for legal requirements, viewing, duplication and transfer (e.g., HIPAA)
- Describe how to store chemical agents used in dental radiography procedures according to regulatory agencies, in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard
- Identify current American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines for patient selection and limiting radiation exposure
- Apply the principles of radiation protection and hazards in the operation and location of radiographic equipment
- Demonstrate knowledge of patient safety measures to provide protection from x-radiation
- Address patient radiation concerns (e.g., informed consent, patient refusal)
- Identify operator safety measures to provide protection from x-radiation
- Describe methods for monitoring operator x-radiation exposure (e.g., personal monitoring device)
- Demonstrate understanding of infection control techniques used to minimize cross- contamination during radiographic procedures according to ADA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA guidelines for conventional and digital radiography.
DAY 2: Radiology Lab | 8am–5pm (1 hour lunch break)
- Expose and review a full mouth survey on a manikin using a digital sensor.
- Expose, process and mount a full mouth radiographic survey using intra-oral film.
- Take and pass a certification exam.
Tuition: $375
Schedule & Registration
May 9 and 10, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Fitchburg, MWCC Dental Education Program Clinic.