Introduction to dental radiography for DCPs
Published: 01/05/2012
The role of the dental care professional (DCP) has changed dramatically recently. The current key to success is being proactive and using evidence-based dentistry in our work. In this article, Amanda Byers, regional coordinator at the BADN, discusses the dental nurses’ role in dental radiography
‘The use of x-rays is an integral part of clinical dentistry, with some form of radiographic examination necessary on the majority of patients. As a result, radiographs are often referred to as the clinician’s main diagnostic aid’ (Whaites, 2009) and which is why ‘dental radiographs are one of the most frequently undertaken radiological exposures in the UK’ (BDA, 2003).
There is an increasing opportunity for dental care professionals to carry out this procedure and in particular in an orthodontic practice or hospital setting. The post-registration certificate in radiography allows dental nurses, hygienists and therapists to take dental x-rays on patients with a prescription from the dentist. Legislation released in 2000 (Ionising radiation (Medical exposure) 2000) gives scope for a dental care professional to x-ray patients under the direction of a dentist as long as the operator has been adequately trained.
According to the BDA (2003) ‘operators whose duties include setting exposure parameters and/ or positioning of the film, the patient and the tube head: dental nurses undertaking these duties should possess a certificate in dental radiography and hygienists and therapists should have received an equivalent level of training. Operators must update their knowledge at least every 5 years’. The National examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) certificate in dental radiography is only available to those who have successfully completed an accredited course, submitted a completed record of experience and satisfied the examiners in one of the two examinations held each year.
The dental radiography postgraduate course is designed to train dental nurses in the taking of dental radiographs, handling films and diagnosing of image quality.
The course
The course, which should include around 40 hours of theoretical training, covers topics such as radiation physics, radiation doses and associated risks, radiation protection, statutory requirements and quality assurance, apparatus and equipment, films and processing, digital imaging.
Dental care professionals are also required to gain experience in the clinical setting observed by a prescribing dentist. The practical aspects of the course are principles of imaging, film handling, digital imaging. The clinical setting also allows opportunity for the dental care professional to develop techniques such as intra- and extra-oral image taking, quality assurance and the care of patients. The intention of the record of experience is to log this progress.
The NEBDN dental radiography course is available as either a classroombased course or distance learning course. It must be noted that centres providing this award must have the NEBDN accreditation.
The IMECS provide an alternative course, which offers a flexible approach to learning and is structured to meet the needs of the participants and the employers, as well as the regulatory and awarding body. The course is delivered by Dr Richard DeCann and Tim Reynolds and can be organised at a local venue by request. The course comprises: theoretical knowledge and practical tuition and requires supervised clinical examinations of patients in the workplace. Successful participants of this course will gain a certificate in dental radiography and 54 hours of verifiable CPD.
This course includes: formations of the radiographic image, physical principles, instrumentation, imaging, quality assurance, radiation protection and radiographic technique.
Course examination is by:
? Portfolio—six case studies and evaluation of working practices
? Written paper—radiation protection
? Viva-voce—radiography in clinical practice.
The course is run for five full days of study over a three-month period and the final day is the examination.
The examination process and ROE
The record of experience is completed by the candidate and supervised, often by the employing dentist. The record of experience comprises 50 log sheets showing competence while taking various types of dental radiographs, three expanded case studies of 1000 words each on the taking of panoramic, bitewing and paralleling technique radiographs and a few pages of questions to be answered.
Your examination date will only be allocated once you have completed the record of experience. Once the record of experience has been ordered you have up to 18 months to complete it or three consecutive examinations (six months apart). If you have not completed it in this time you will be required to complete another. Your record of experience is required for submission two months before your examination date.
The examination is held twice each year on the first Saturday of June and December in various cities across the UK. The examination paper contains around 40 multiple choice questions and you are allocated one hour to complete all questions.
Is this course for me?
Whether you work in a dental practice, hospital or community setting this course could be for you. The role of the dental care professional is changing for the better and it is allowing for a more involved role with the patients and more hands-on experiences. A forward-thinking and motivated dental nurse may consider a course like this to assist in the smooth running of the dental surgery. Appointment books can be offered to a dental care professional for patients requiring various x-rays prescribed by the dentist.
id="F1" position="float" orientation="portrait">It is each DCP’s responsibility to ensure that all available radiographs are viewed and assessed to ensure gold standard patient care
Other benefits of the qualification are verifiable CPD and an opportunity to progress our skills and refresh our knowledge.
Radiation in the dental surgery is subject to considerable safety legislation and it is often mind boggling and time consuming for a busy principal dentist to cope with alone. A suitably qualified dental care professional can ease the burden by acting as the radiation protection supervisor (RPS). The RPS would be responsible for implementing the requirements of the legislation and ensuring good working practices. The RPS would also implement the local rules and stay up to date with the newest legislation and staff compliance.
For the most up-to-date contact details of training providers please visit the NEBDN website at
For further details on the IMECS course visit
Author: MA Healthcare
