Safe and Effective Use of Radiation in Dental Practice

Program Requirements

1. Attendees must complete a practicum component in x-ray technique (4 hours minimum) after taking this didactic course. 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 radiographs.

2. The supervising dentist must complete the Safe and Effective Use of Radiation in Dental Practice Attestation Form. Click here to print the form (PDF). Please complete the form and attach it during the registration process.

Course Description

This lecture includes a discussion about radiography history, fundamental principles, x-ray production, image recording, technique principles, and radiation safety.

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 the dentist completing the ‘Dental Auxiliary Technique Training Form’ (found in the link provided in the confirmation and reminder emails) of the 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 radiographs.

*This course satisfies the didactic requirements of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry (Approval Number: KBD0004).

After registering for the class, a link to the course handbook will be emailed to each registrant in the confirmation email. The course book will contain material that will be “assumed knowledge” and registrants are urged to familiarize themselves with the manual contents prior to the course date.

After the course is presented, an online 50-question, multiple-choice examination will be given. Successful completion of this course requires a 75% score on the exam. Participants who successfully complete the examination will receive a document of completion and after fulfilling requirement (2) above are allowed to expose radiographs on patients under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Learning Objectives

Upon course completion, participants will be able to:

• Explain the basic principles and concepts of radiation.
• List both various exposure factors and how they affect the radiographic image.
• Compare image receptors and process radiographs.
• Practice radiation safety for both patient and operator.
• Discuss occupational considerations, including infection control principles 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 them.
• Explain x-ray interaction with matter, as well as potential biological effects.
• Demonstrate the principles of quality assurance, as well as the capability to implement them into clinical practice.
• Perform Extraoral radiography.

Speaker Information

William C. Scarfe, BDS, FRACSD, MS, professor in the Division of Radiology and Imaging Sciences Department of Surgical/Hospital Dentistry at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.  A graduate of the University of Adelaide, South Australia, in 1983, Dr. Scarfe attended graduate school at the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio and was awarded his certificate and master’s degree in dental diagnostic science in 1992.  He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and member of numerous other scientific organizations.