In our guide today, we are going to focus our attention on the top best Dental radiology certification online that is accredited and recognized globally. Before we do that, let’s briefly see what Dental Radiology entails.
What Is Dental Radiology?
X-rays are the common name for dental radiography. Radiographs are used by dentists for a variety of purposes, including detecting hidden dental structures, malignant or benign tumors, bone loss, and cavities.
A radiographic image is created by a controlled burst of X-ray radiation that passes through oral structures at various levels depending on anatomical density before impacting the film or sensor. Because less radiation penetrates the teeth to reach the film, they seem lighter.
Because X-rays may easily penetrate these less thick structures, dental cavities, infections, and other changes in bone density, as well as the periodontal ligament, look darker. Depending on the density of the material, dental restorations (fillings, crowns) may appear brighter or darker.
A dental patient’s dose of X-ray radiation is normally low (about 0.150 mSv for a whole mouth series), comparable to a few days’ worth of background environmental radiation exposure or the dose obtained during a cross-country airplane travel (concentrated into one short burst aimed at a small area).
The addition of a lead shield, lead apron, and, in some cases, a lead thyroid collar reduces accidental exposure even further. When the X-ray source is engaged, the technician’s exposure is lowered by moving out of the room or hiding behind suitable shielding material.
Because photographic film is sensitive to normal light, it must be developed after being exposed to X-ray radiation. This is traditionally done by exposing the film to a series of chemicals in a dark room. This is a time-consuming procedure, and incorrect exposures or errors in the development process may necessitate retakes, exposing the patient to more radiation.
Some of these issues are addressed by digital X-rays, which replace the film with an electronic sensor and are becoming more widely used in dentistry as technology advances. They may use less radiation and are processed much faster than traditional radiographic films, and are frequently viewable on a computer right away.
Digital sensors, on the other hand, are extremely expensive and have historically had low resolution, though this has greatly improved in modern sensors.
Read also: How To Get Hair Braiding Certification Online
What Are The Duties Of a Dental Radiologist?
Dental radiologists are educated to diagnose and treat patients using diagnostic technologies such as X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET (positron emission tomography) scans of the head, neck, and jaw.
They may collaborate with dentists to do clinical exams in order to detect and evaluate illnesses, tumors, or disorders such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). They may also be asked to recommend patients to oral surgeons or assist people who have been harmed in accidents.
Dental radiologists will likely need to become adept with systems that allow X-rays to be digitally uploaded to computers as digital imaging becomes more common. Furthermore, according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR), dental radiologists were in high demand as professors in teaching hospitals and dentistry schools as of 2016.
How Much Does a Dental Radiologist Make?
Despite the fact that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not disclose wage data for dental radiologists, all of these individuals are dentists. In May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that all other dentist specialists who work in general hospitals paid $137,630, while those who work in physician offices earned $159,820. From 2019 through 2029, employment possibilities in the field are predicted to remain stable.
Top Best Dental Radiology Certification Online
Let us now take a look at some of the best Dental radiology certification online programs you should go for.
Dental Assisting Institute
Since 2000, the Florida Board of Dentistry has approved our dental assistant certification programs. In just one day, this course will offer you with a Dental X-ray Certification.
The purpose of this course is to certify a dental assistant in radiographic procedures as set down by the Florida Board of Dentistry. Students in the X-ray class must have completed at least three months of formal training with a certified dentist.
This course is delivered in a hybrid manner, including an online study module and quiz, as well as a clinical component at our facility. Prior to coming in for the clinical component of the class, you will receive an email confirmation and have access to an online student portal where you can view/download class study materials, complete your employment verification, and take the online multiple-choice test.
Springfield Technical Community College(STCC)
This two-week hybrid course (online and clinical component) teaches dental assistants the basics of dental radiography. The Dental Assistant will be qualified to expose radiographs in offices located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after completing this course, which has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry.
The Dental Radiology Certificate Program will cover the fundamentals of dental radiology, such as x-ray physics, radiation characteristics, the dental x-ray machine, radiation effects, radiation protection, image receptors, digital radiography, dental radiographic anatomy, and intra- and extra-oral radiographic procedures. Students will practice exposing digital radiographs and mounting them properly with a digital mount.
Hands-on exposure on a manikin and hands-on placement on both a manikin and a lab partner will provide this experience. The exposure and evaluation of a whole mouth series on a live patient chosen by the student constitutes the student’s final laboratory competency.
Michigan Dental Association
Using an innovative nine-part, online training program, dentists can provide a quick and economical option for dental assistants to complete radiography training required by Michigan law without the need for classrooms, travel, or time away from work. MDA members pay $265 each assistance, whereas non-MDA members pay $365 per assistant.
After completing the online training, the assistant must demonstrate the ability to perform two acceptable full-mouth series of pictures (including four bitewings) with a maximum of five retakes under the supervision of a professional dentist. Following fulfillment of all course requirements, the supervising dentist will sign a certificate of completion.
Florida Dental Assistant Training Schools
This curriculum is designed for dental assistants who are new to Florida or who have been formally trained by a licensed dentist in the state.
To become certified, you must have at least three months of dental assisting experience as well as exposure to dental x-rays. To receive a Florida Dental X-Ray Certification, students must be able to demonstrate these skills in a clinical context and pass an online written exam with a score of 75% or above.
Formal training may consist of receiving certification as a dental radiographer pursuant to Rule Chapter 64B5-9.011, Florida Administrative Code, for the purpose of setting and exposing radiographs by dental assistants (F.A.C.).
Completion of at least 3 months of continuous on-the-job training helping in the positioning and exposure of dental radiography film under the direct supervision of a Florida licensed dentist are among the prerequisites for certification.
Colorado Dental Association X-Ray Training
The X-ray Training Program of the Colorado Dental Association is an online course. The program is around 5 hours long and is divided into 5 parts with quiz questions. This program is available as an annual subscription, which provides users with unrestricted access to the training for one year from the date of purchase on screencast.com. The CDA can provide course completion reports upon request.
A Colorado Dental Board-approved training course is required for dental assistants. A dentist’s license may be suspended if he or she fails to comply. This course has been board-approved for compliance with Colorado Dental Practice Law Rule X, and CDA members receive a discount.
Education Requirements To Become Dental Radiologist
Before becoming a dental radiologist, students must complete a four-year dentistry school curriculum that is accredited. Candidates may take state or national board exams and obtain licensure only after earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree, according to the American Dental Association (www.ada.org).
Potential dental radiologists, like other dentists, should love working with others, be computer educated, and have a good visual memory and manual dexterity.
Dentists must complete at least two extra years of clinical studies in oral and maxillofacial radiology. A two-year certificate program can be completed independently or as part of a three- to four-year graduate degree program that prepares graduates for teaching and research employment.
Diagnostic techniques, unique procedures, and radiation biology may all be covered in clinical courses. Oral and maxillofacial pathology continuing education seminars frequently cover the most up-to-date treatment procedures.
After completing a clinical residency, experts are eligible to take the AAOMR’s voluntary certification exam. In some states, additional radiology licenses are required to practice.
After completing a doctorate program and obtaining state licensure to practice, a dentist can pursue a concentration in oral and maxillofacial radiology to become a dental radiologist. They can also choose to take a board certification exam on their own time. Using scanning and radiographic imaging technologies, these dentists use radiology to find and diagnose medical disorders of the head, jaw, and neck, such as tumors and infections.
