The Safe and Effective Use of Radiation in Dental Practice

Overview

Auxiliary training requirements for auxiliaries before they can take dental radiographs in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Board of Dentistry recently amended the minimal educational requirements for dental auxiliary personnel prior to taking dental radiographs under a 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:

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 course (CE) course (6 hours minimum) provided by a certified presenter.

Practical:  A practicum course in x-ray technique (4 hours minimum). This can be 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.

This course satisfies the didactic requirements of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.  The course includes:
•    Basic principles and concepts of radiation
•    Exposure factors and how they affect the radiographic image
•    Image receptors and processing of radiographs
•    Radiation safety for both patient and operator
•    Occupational considerations including infection control principles and legal concerns
•    Principles of intra-oral techniques (bitewing/periapical/occlusal imaging)
•    Radiographic film mounting, labeling and record keeping
•    Principles of quality assurance and implementation into clinical practice
•    Extraoral radiography

A course handbook will be forwarded to each registrant about two weeks before the course date.  The course book will contain materials that will be “assumed knowledge” prior to the course date and registrants are urged to familiarize themselves with the contents of the manual prior to the course date.  The manual provides the participants with a guide for learning prior to and during the course.

After the course is completed, an 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 in accordance with Kentucky regulations.

Tuition
$150/Auxiliary (didactic course)
(lunch included)
Register by February 9, 2012
 

Accreditation

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education.  ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/goto/cerp.

This course meets Kentucky regulatory requirements for 6 credit hours as permitted by 201 KAR 8:53OE and KAR 8:56OE as they relate to continuing education for dentists and hygienists.  The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is authorized to award continuing education credits by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry to meet relicensure requirements.

Event Sponsorship

We would like to thank the following sponsor: UK College of Dentistry.

Refund Policy

A refund, less a $25 processing fee, will be issued for all cancellations submitted in writing two weeks prior to the course date. A 50% refund less a $25 processing fee will be given for cancellations received in writing one week prior to the course date, with no refund thereafter. Refunds cannot be given for cancellations on or after the course starting date. Registrants may choose to receive a full tuition credit toward another course.

Cancellation

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry reserves the right to cancel a course when circumstances are warranted. In such a case, a refund will be issued.