Foundations and Advances in Dental Radiography: A Comprehensive Review

 

Course Overview

 

This course provides a comprehensive review of dental radiography, covering fundamental principles, diagnostic techniques, radiographic interpretation, and safety protocols. Designed for dental professionals seeking to sharpen their diagnostic skills and stay up to date with modern imaging technology and apply for the Maine Dental Radiographer Licensure.

 

There will be a requirement of online study and tests. Anticipated 10 hours of at home study. In person didactics with techniques, safety, maintenance and placement strategies. 6-hour day with written & clinical testing.

 

The Dental Radiography Review Course requires a non-refundable fee of $350, payable upon acceptance into the program.

• This course is delivered on a pass/fail basis.
• No refunds will be issued, regardless of course outcome or withdrawal after enrollment.
• Payment confirms your seat in the course and acknowledges your agreement to the terms outlined herein.

 

A textbook will be delivered for reading/assignments for home-study and must be returned at clinical in person date. Please ensure you can commit to the full course schedule and requirements prior to submitting payment.

 

 

Course Objectives

 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of dental radiographic imaging
• Perform accurate radiographic techniques and identify common errors
• Interpret radiographs for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning
• Recognize normal anatomy versus pathology
• Apply radiation safety protocols and comply with legal standards

 

 

Clinical ( In-Person ) Overview Standards for Dental Radiography

 

1. Radiation Physics & Biology

 

• Basic principles of x-ray production
• Types of radiation (primary, secondary, scatter)
• Biological effects of ionizing radiation
• Dose-response relationships and cumulative effects

 

2. Radiation Safety & Protection

 

• ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
• Operator and patient protection techniques

- Lead aprons and thyroid collars

- Fast film/digital sensors

- Proper equipment maintenance and collimation

• Regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, local health regulations)

 

3. Infection Control in Radiography

 

• CDC and OSHA-compliant infection control procedures
• Barrier placement and aseptic techniques
• Disinfection of radiographic equipment and operatory surfaces

 

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations

 

• Informed consent for radiographic procedures
• Patient confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
• Documentation and record-keeping standards
• Scope of practice related to radiographic procedures

 

5. Equipment and Image Receptor Familiarity

 

• Intraoral and extraoral radiographic equipment operation

• Film vs. digital systems
• Sensor care and placement techniques
• Processing techniques (manual and automatic, if applicable)

 

6. Radiographic Techniques

 

• Intraoral imaging techniques:

- Bitewing, periapical, occlusal

- Paralleling vs. bisecting angle techniques

• Extraoral imaging techniques: Panoramic, cephalometric, CBCT (overview)

• Use of positioning devices and film holders
• Patient management during imaging (e.g., for gag reflex, special needs patients)

 

7. Image Evaluation and Quality Assurance

 

• Criteria for diagnostically acceptable radiographs
• Common technique errors and how to correct them
• Quality control procedures (darkroom maintenance, calibration, digital sensor checks)
• Retakes policy and documentation

 

8. Interpretation Basics (for Educational Purposes Only)

 

• Normal anatomical landmarks
• Identifying technical errors vs. pathology
• Basic review of caries detection, periodontal bone levels, and periapical pathology

(Note: Emphasis placed on image acquisition, not diagnosis)

 

9. Clinical Competency Standards

 

• Hands-on training and preclinical simulations
• Supervised clinical radiograph exposure on patients
• Competency evaluation using performance rubrics
• Remediation procedures for substandard performance

 

 

Maine Licensing Requirements for Dental Radiographers

 

To qualify for licensure as a Dental Radiographer in Maine, applicants must:

 

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
3. Complete a Board-approved course in dental radiologic technique and safety, which includes a radiography examination.
4. Hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
5. Pass the MDB's jurisprudence examination with a score of 90% or higher.
6. Submit a completed application and pay the applicable fee to the Maine Dental Board.

 

 

Additional Resources & Information

 

This is a course for individuals not requiring the DANB RHS. If you are going for your CDA you will be required to take the DANB RHS exam as it is a component of the CDA guideline.

 

• Maine Board of Dental Practice: https://www.maine.gov/dental/
• Radiation Protection Rules (Chapter 220): https://www11.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/10/ch220.htm