Dental Board of California - Approved Radiation Safety Course - X091

Dental Board of California Approved

Comprehensive X-Ray Certificate Program Description:

The Comprehensive X-Ray Program Certificate Program is one of the courses offered under the iEducations Dental Assistant Training Center.

It is essential for all RDA Applicants to obtain a license. This program offers comprehensive x-ray certification training, encompassing various exposure techniques. Participants will undergo both classroom and clinical instruction on x-ray safety, film exposure using traditional and digital methods, as well as training in endodontic, bisecting, and parallel techniques. Additionally, the course covers film processing and critique.

Course Learning Objectives:

• Understand the properties of radiation.

• Explain the biological effects of radiant exposure.

• Identify the components of a dental x-ray unit and explain the functions of each component.

• Describe the safety precautions to be utilized when using radiation.

• Explain how an x-ray is produced.

• Explain bisecting and paralleling techniques.

• Identify means of producing quality radiographs on a variety of patients.

• Identify normal and abnormal radiographic landmarks.

• Identify different imaging systems used for dental purposes.

Course Agenda:

Module 1: Introduction to Dental Radiography

• Overview of dental radiography

• Historical perspective

• Importance of radiation safety in dental practice

• Regulatory framework in California

Module 2: Fundamentals of Radiation Physics

• Properties of radiation

• Types of radiation

• Units of measurement

• Interaction of radiation with matter

Module 3: Dental Radiographic Equipment

• Types of dental x-ray machines

• Components and functions

• Radiation collimation and filtration

• Safety features and regulations

Module 4: Patient Management and Positioning

• Patient assessment and history

• Techniques for minimizing patient exposure

• Positioning devices and techniques

• Proper alignment for intraoral and extraoral radiographs

Module 5: Radiation Protection and Safety Measures

• Principles of radiation protection

• ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Radiation monitoring and dosimetry

Module 6: Image Formation and Quality

• Factors influencing image quality

• Film-based and digital imaging systems

• Image receptors and processing techniques

• Evaluation of radiographic quality and diagnostic criteria

Module 7: Radiographic Techniques and Procedures

• Intraoral radiography techniques

• Extraoral radiography techniques

• Bisecting angle and paralleling techniques

• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) overview

Module 8: Infection Control in Radiography

• Sterilization and disinfection protocols

• Barrier techniques and aseptic procedures

• Handling and disposal of radiographic materials

• Cross-contamination prevention measures

Module 9: Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Regulatory compliance and licensure requirements

• Informed consent and patient communication

• Ethical dilemmas in dental radiography

• Documentation and record-keeping standards

Module 10: Practical Training and Assessment

• Hands-on practice sessions

• Clinical simulations and case studies

• Competency evaluations and assessments

• Feedback and performance improvement strategies

Module 11: Final Examination and Certification

• Comprehensive written examination

• Practical skills assessment

• Awarding of California Dental Radiation Safety Course certification

• All supplies and materials

• Notification to The California Dental Board upon successful completion of the Radiation Safety Certification Course

• Student will take 2 exams:

  • Exam will be to complete 2 FMXs on mannequin

  • Exam will be to complete 1 FMX on a patient*

    • Student will bring one patient* to class at a time designated by the instructor to complete the final exam FMX. Patient must speak English.

Enrollment Prerequisites:

• Certification:

  1. 8-Hour Infection Control Certification

  2. In the state of California, a Dental Assistant must have their California Radiation Safety (X-Ray) certificate to be permitted to take x-rays in a dental office. In addition, all applicants for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure must submit evidence of having completed an approved Radiation Safety course.

• Experience (at least one of the below requirements must be met):

  1. A minimum of six (6) months experience in dental assisting in the United States. Documentation required from dental office where work experience was acquired. This documentation must include:

     • Date of employment or experience

     • Documentation must be written on office letterhead that includes the office address and phone number

     • Documentation must be signed and dated by supervising dentist

     • Employment and experience will be verified.

  2. Be a graduate of a dental assisting program

  3. Be currently enrolled in a dental assistant program

Tuition for the 32-hour course is $700— Register now! Space is limited. First come, first served.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be issued a California Dental Association Certificate.
iEDUCATIONS IS A CALIFORNIA DENTAL BOARD-APPROVED COURSE PROVIDER THAT CERTIFIES STUDENTS IN X-RAY PROGRAM.