OPA-383 - Dental Assisting Radiology Lecture

Course Description

Dental Assisting Radiology Lecture | Learn the basic skills necessary to become an entry-level dental assistant. Examine radiation safety principles and legal and ethical considerations. Perform infection control and radiographic procedures. Prepare for the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety exam. Textbook information available at AACC Bookstore. CEUs issued. $370 includes $10 fee. Prerequisite: OPA-381 Dental Assisting Lecture and OPA-382 Dental Assisting Skills Lab. Corequisites: OPA-384 Dental Assisting Radiology Lab Skills. Note: Must have a high school or GED® diploma and be 18 or older to enroll. English as a Second Language students must earn a composite score of 310 or better on the Level of English Proficiency exam, or successfully complete Capstone Level ESL coursework. Additional cost for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam for the Radiation Health and Safety exam and for teal scrubs and shoes.

Learner Outcomes

Explain radiation safety principles and infection control protocols relevant to radiographic procedures for both patients and staff; Compare and contrast intraoral and extraoral imaging techniques, including differences between digital and traditional radiography systems; Describe the procedures for exposing, processing, and evaluating diagnostic-quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure; Identify common radiographic errors, their causes, and appropriate corrective actions; recognize normal vs. abnormal anatomical and pathological findings; Discuss legal and ethical considerations in dental radiography, including patient consent, HIPAA compliance, documentation standards, and professional patient communication.