An Introduction to Dental Radiography through Blue Stream Academy’s Dental eLearning Platform

What are X-rays?

X-rays can be defined as: An electromagnetic wave of high energy and short wavelength, that have the ability to pass through and interact with solid materials.

When were X-rays discovered?

X-rays and their properties were first discovered back in 1895. X-rays form part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is made up of many different types of radiation, each with different frequencies, properties and wavelengths.

How does electromagnetic radiation travel?

Electromagnetic radiation travels only in straight lines and at the speed of light. It also has no mass.

Electromagnetic spectrum and potential harm

Whilst most forms of radiation do not have the ability to cause us any great harm, some parts of the electromagnetic spectrum have the ability to ionise atoms, which can cause damage and harm to living objects. These parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are found past visible light:

Ultraviolet
X-rays
Gamma rays.

What can healthcare professionals do to limit exposure to x-rays?

As healthcare professionals, we must ensure that we have measures in place to limit exposure to x-rays, both to ourselves and patients. These measures include:

Following guidelines and legislation
Staff training
Maintaining and caring for x-ray equipment
Monitoring the quality of our x-ray images

Dental Radiography Training for Dentists, Practice Nurses, and the Wider Dental Team

Our Radiography eLearning modules are suitable for staff members directly involved in radiographical exposures, as well as the wider dental team who are not directly involved with radiographical exposures. This may include the roles of dentist and practice nurse, as well as practice manager, hygienist, administration staff, and receptionist.

Dental radiography eLearning courses

Radiography 1: Introduction to Radiography

The Introduction to Radiography eLearning course aims to provide information on the introduction to radiography for dental professionals, especially those not directly involved in radiographical exposures. This module is intended to create an understanding of what is meant by radiation dose, the characteristics of x-rays, and the potential impacts of ionising radiation on the body. The course aligns with the standards of IR(ME)R 2017, Regulation 15, and the FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray Equipment.

This eLearning course covers General Dental Council (GDC) development outcomes C and D.

This course covers:

how to describe the characteristics of x-rays
what is meant by radiation dose
the potential effects that exposure to ionising radiation can have on the body.

Radiography 2: Radiation Safety

The Radiation Safety course aims to provide information on radiation safety for dental professionals, particularly those not directly performing radiographical exposures.

This module is intended to equip dental professionals with vital information on radiation safety, safe working practices, and risk minimisation in dental radiography. Adhering to IR(ME)R 2017, Regulation 15, and the FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray Equipment, participants will understand cross-infection measures, manual handling, and potential electrical and ionising radiation hazards tied to dental radiography. Furthermore, the module outlines strategies to mitigate these associated risks, ensuring a safer dental practice environment.

This eLearning course covers General Dental Council (GDC) development outcomes C and D.

This course covers:

cross infection measures in relation to dental radiography
manual handling in relation to dental radiography
electrical hazards and hazards relating to ionising radiation
measures to reduce the risk from the above hazards in the dental setting.

Radiography 3: Dental Radiography Equipment

The Dental Radiography Equipment course To provide information on dental radiography equipment for dental professionals, particularly those not directly performing radiographical exposures.

This module is intended to be insightful into both manual and digital radiograph processing, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Learners will gain an understanding of how x-rays are generated, the image creation process through both traditional and modern methods, the distinctions between direct and indirect processing, and the essentials of x-ray equipment care. This module aligns with the standards of IR(ME)R 2017, Regulation 15, and the FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-Ray Equipment.

This eLearning course covers General Dental Council (GDC) development outcomes C and D.

This course covers:

how x-rays are produced from the x-ray unit
how x-rays can create an image and how these are processed, by both traditional and more recent methods
the differences between direct and indirect processing
proper care of the x-ray equipment.

Radiography 4: Radiography Regulations and Special Considerations

The Radiography Regulations and Special Considerations eLearning course aims to provide information on radiography regulations and special considerations for dental professionals, particularly those not directly performing radiographical exposures.

This module is intended to offer comprehensive knowledge on radiography regulations and essential considerations. It covers IR(ME)R 2017 and IRR17 legislation, also emphasising the significance of local rules, and contingency planning related to dental radiography. Participants will understand dose limits and constraints, especially concerning clinic staff, pregnant individuals, carers, and children. Learners will gain an understanding of the importance of mandatory training for dental radiography personnel, risk assessments, and the procedure for reporting accidents or near-misses, including defining what constitutes a reportable incident.

This course covers General Dental Council (GDC) development outcomes C and D.

This course covers:

legislation and responsibilities relating to IR(ME)R 2017 and IRR17 and how they apply to dental professionals
the importance of Local Rules and their purpose
contingency planning in relation to dental radiography
the importance of dose limits in dental radiography
training requirements in relation to dental radiography
the importance of risk assessments relating to dental radiography and how these are carried out
what is considered a reportable accident and how to report this.

Radiography 5: Quality Assurance

The Radiography Quality Assurance course aims to provide information on quality assurance in dental radiography for dental professionals, particularly those not directly performing radiographical exposures.

This module is intended to deliver information on the application and significance of quality assurance in dental radiography. Meeting the requirements of IR(ME)R 2017, Regulation 15, and the FGDP Guidance Notes for X-Ray Equipment in dentistry, learners will understand the concept of quality assurance, its relevance in dental radiography, methods to measure and monitor it, identify processes needing quality assurance, and comprehend the role of the radiation protection file.

This course covers General Dental Council (GDC) development outcomes C and D.

This course covers:

what is meant by quality assurance and its relevance in dental radiography
describe how we measure and monitor quality assurance and its processes in relation to dental radiography
identify and explain the processes requiring quality assurance in dental radiography
explain the purpose of the radiation protection file and its importance.

Please click here for more information on accessing these eLearning courses.