Radiation Safety for the Dental Assistant

Course Description

This course includes a discussion about radiography history, fundamental principles, x-ray production, image recording, technique principles, and radiation safety. This course is only offered online/Zoom live webinars.

The Kentucky Board of Dentistry amended the minimal educational requirements for dental auxiliary personnel prior to taking dental radiographs under a licensed dentist’s direct supervision (201 KAR 8:57OE). All dental auxiliary personnel must satisfy the following two (2) requirements before taking x-rays in a dental office:

1. Didactic: completion of a course in radiation safety. This can be verified by providing proof of completion of the Radiography Section of the Dental Assistants National Board Examination or attending an approved continuing education (CE) course (6 hours minimum) provided by a certified presenter.
2. Practical: A practicum course in x-ray technique (4 hours minimum). This is verified by a dentist’s written documentation of a student’s completion of four (4) hours of instruction in dental radiography technique in the practice or by attending a four hour (4) continuing education course in radiography technique approved by the Board before being allowed to expose x-rays.

This course satisfies the didactic requirements of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. After the course is presented, a 50-question, multiple choice examination will be given. Successful completion of this course requires a 75% score on the exam. A copy of the technique training form must be returned within a maximum of sixty (60) days from the date of course completion Once the technique training form is received, a document of completion will be awarded and are allowed to expose radiographs on patients under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Educational Objectives

• Discuss radiation history and its role in modern dentistry
• Explain the basic principles and concepts of radiation
• Describe the process of ionization
• List both various exposure factors and how the effect radiographic image
• Compare image receptors and identify parts of x-ray machine and their functions
• Practice radiation safety for both patient and operator and define the ALARA concept
• Discuss occupational considerations, including infection control and legal concerns
• Demonstrate the principles of intraoral techniques: bitewing, periapical and occlusal imaging
• Mount and label radiographic film, as well as maintain a record keeping system
• List criteria for diagnostic radiographs- in technique, recognizing errors, and correcting errors
• Explain x-ray interaction with matter, as well as potential biological effects
• Demonstrate the principles of quality assurance, and the capability to implement them into clinical practice
• Discuss the purpose and use of panoramic imaging

Course Location

This course is only offered online/Zoom live webinars.

Course Fee

Tuition: $200

Tuition is payable via check or credit card to MedQuest College – Please call 502-242-0068 to make payment. Tuition includes a continental breakfast, lunch, all needed materials for the course, and the certificate of completion, granted the student passes all course requirements. *Tuition must be received a minimum of one week prior to the course date. Pre-registration is always required.

Refund Policy

A full refund, less a $50 processing fee, will be issued for all cancellations at least one week prior to the course date. Refunds cannot be given for cancellations within one week or after the course starting date. Please note that a request must be received via email before a refund may be processed.

Schedule

8:00am – 2:00pm

Didactic Instruction

• Radiation History
• Radiographs in Modern Dentistry
• X-Ray Machine Parts and Functions
• The Production of X-Radiation
• Radiation Biology
• Radiation Safety
• Intra-oral Radiographic Techniques
• Panoramic Imaging

Course Presenters

Course Director: Mrs. Jamie Ely, RDH, MPH
Mrs. Ely is the Dental Hygiene Program Director at MedQuest College. Mrs. Ely graduated from Ferris State University with an Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. Mrs. Ely practiced clinical dental hygiene for over 15 years in Virginia, Washington D.C., Illinois, and Kentucky, and still actively works throughout the year. Mrs. Ely also earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from George Washington University. Mrs. Ely is the course director for Radiology, Nutrition, Periodontics I and II, Pharmacology, Community Dental Health, clinical instruction, and teaches all Dental Hygiene Theory courses. She holds an active Kentucky and Michigan dental hygiene license, and is certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Mrs. Ely is a member of American Dental Educators Association.

– These courses are not included in MedQuest College’s ABHES grant of accreditation.