Certificate of Completion in Dental Radiology

Course Description

This course will provide the student with the necessary background knowledge of ionizing radiation including the following: history of dental radiography; image and x-ray production; radiation safety; patient and operator protection and quality assurance. Students will use paralleling and bisecting techniques to produce images. The advantages and disadvantages of each of those techniques will be discussed. Errors in exposure, developing, and mounting will be addressed. Students will be given the opportunity to expose, process, mount, and evaluate the diagnostic value of images. Procedural techniques for exposing extraoral accessory images utilized in dental offices will be introduced.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

Describe the components of radiation production.
Describe the process to produce a diagnostically acceptable set of films on a patient, utilizing proper infection control and radiography safety techniques.
Analyze radiographs for oral anatomy landmarks and pathologies.
Produce a diagnostically acceptable set of films utilizing proper infection control and radiography safety techniques.

Potential Occupational Titles

Potential occupational titles for this program include, but are not limited to, Unlicensed Dental Assistant with Limited Radiology Registration.

Note: Additional steps are required to obtain the Limited Radiology Registration.

Course Content

A minimum of 80.00 hours is required for completion.

Required Courses

DS 130 - Certificate of Completion in Dental Radiology Semester Credit Hours:

Distribution of Contact Hours
Course or Category	Lecture	Lab	Externship / Internship Clinical	Total Hours
Dental Radiology	50.00	15.00	15.00	80.00
Totals	50.00	15.00	15.00	80.00

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Individuals applying for the Certificate of Completion in Dental Radiology program must be actively employed in a dental office and obtain sponsorship from a licensed dentist.

In addition to completing this Certificate of Completion, to obtain the Limited Radiology Registration, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry requirements are as follows:

3100.1320 LIMITED RADIOLOGY REGISTRATION
- Evidence of passing a board-approved nationally recognized radiation examination within the past five years
- Evidence of passing the board’s jurisprudence examination within the past five years
- Documentation of current CPR certification
- Criminal background check
- Two hours of infection control education