CRICOS No 02899B
Provider No 6811

Dental Assisting courses funded by the
Department of Training and Workforce Development

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED
TRAINING



Training Accreditation
Council
Western Australia

Intra-Oral Radiography is divided into nine topics:
Topic 1: The Use and Production of X-rays in Dentistry
Topic 2: Radiation Biology and Protection
Topic 3: The Radiography Image
Topic 4: Radiography Techniques
Topic 5: Bit ewing Radiography
Topic 6: Periapical Radiography
Topic 7: Accessory Radiographic Techniques
Topic 8: Radiography Anatomy
Topic 9: Applied Dental Radiography

Aim of the course
To instruct the student in the safe and effective use of x-radiation under the direction of a Dental Surgeon.

Objectives of the course
On the successful completion of the training programme the student should be able to:

•  Expose intra-oral radiograph to a standard that ensures that optimum radiographic images are produced
•  Process, mount and file intra-oral radiographs in order that their diagnostic yield is maximised
•  Correctly identify technical faults and their likely causes
•  Demonstrate an understanding of the potential hazards of exposure to radiation and to practice a high standard of radiation hygiene.
•  Recognise and identify normal radiographic anatomy
•  Maintain infection control throughout all practical procedures

Course structure
The course is structured in such a way as to provide a balanced training programme in selected practical and theoretical skills relevant to the role of a Dental Radiographer.
The overall subject has been broken down into 9 modules of study. Each module is a discrete body of job specific skills and knowledge, which have been further broken down into a series of lectures and associated activities.
The course is competency based, self paced learning. The student will be provided with modules which include information and exercises that they work through at home. Modules work in conjunction with a text book in Radiographic Imaging for Dental Auxiliaries 3rd Edition.
There is a significant on-the-job component. This requires the student to carry out specific exercises in a clinical setting. Each student will be required to produce a portfolio of radiographs taken on patients under appropriate supervision.
Worksheets are provided for activities that are checked or marked by the course facilitator.
The actual number of hours each student will take to complete the course will be dependent upon prior learning and experience, and each student’s ability to successfully achieve the competencies as identified in each module.
Three support sessions of classroom practical/theory tuition will be made available with a fully qualified lecturer to provide you with clear direction throughout the programme, the course will also include support and assessment visits at your surgery.

Assessment information
Each student will be formally assessed. Assessment throughout the course will consist of continuous appraisal of all project work, assignments, tests and practical exercises.
Each student will receive a student record book. It contains a comprehensive list of the theoretical and practical competencies required of a Dental Radiographer. As each competency is achieved an authorised person may sign it off in the student record book. The mode of assessment will be dependent upon the particular competency being scrutinized.

Resources
Required textbook: Approx. cost $85.00

MILES DA et al (1999) Radiographic Imaging for Dental Auxiliaries 3rd Edition,
WB Saunders, Philadelphia.

Available from: The Bookshelf, 91 Currie Street,  Adelaide
Phone: 8231 7666
Email: bookshelf@bookshelf.com.au
or Archive Book Shop, Nedlands, W.A.

A list of other recommended textbooks can be made available on request.

Radiograophic equipment
Students will be required to purchase 75 double films for their on the job radiographs. Kodak films are available through most Dental Companies.
Participants must have access to intra-oral x-ray units and processing facilities in order to carry out the on-the-job component of the course.

Accreditation
The course is currently accredited in Western Australia for 2003. After this point the programme will be reassessed in line with the new National Training Package in Dental Assisting. As such the window of opportunity to achieve this qualification may only be quite short.

Cost of the program
Enrolment fee: $75.00
Tuition fee: $550.00
Payment plans can be made available through DNA Kingston Training on request.

Permission
Students will require a signed declaration from their employer to indicate they are providing support and supervision for your training in their practice. 

Core Units
•  HLT40702 Cert IV Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography)

Course involves Cert III Dental Assisting and includes the modules listed below. Modules include:
•  HLTDA10A Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental the dental practice
•  HLTDA11A Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
•  HLTDA12A Produce a dental radiographic image

If you have a qualification in Dental Assisting you can commence the radiography modules listed below as Post Graduate programme. Modules include:
•  HLTDA10A Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental the dental practice
•  HLTDA11A Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
•  HLTDA12A Produce a dental radiographic image

Prerequisite: A recognised qualification in Dental Assisting or equivalent. If enrolling in the modules directly related to Radiography.