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The letter must be completed by the sponsoring dentist. Preferably printed on letterhead, the letter verifies:

1. Employment
2. Agreement to provide clinical practicum training (4 hours of technique training)

Attendees must be at least 18 years of age to take this course.

Radiation Safety for the Dental Auxiliary
*As defined by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry

Course Approval #KBD0032

The Kentucky Board of Dentistry 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:

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

2. Practical: A practicum course in x-ray technique (4 hours minimum). This is verified by a dentist's written documentation of a student's completion of four hours of instruction in dental radiography technique in the practice or by attending a four hour continuing education course in radiography technique approved by the Board before being allowed to expose radiographs. A copy of the Technique Training Form must be returned within a maximum of sixty (60) days from the date of course completion to the Office of Continuing Education. Once received, a Certificate of Completion will be issued. Non-compliance will result in an automatic failure. Failure to pass course will result in one (1) opportunity to re-take the entire course at 50% reduction of current course fee within one (1) year.

This Course satisfies the Didactic requirements of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. After the course is presented, an examination will be given. Successful completion of the course requires a 75% pass in a multiple-choice question examination administered at the end of the course. Participants who successfully complete the examination MUST then fulfill requirement #2 above prior to exposing radiographs on patients under the direct supervision of a dentist.

The course contains both theoretical and practical clinical topics. At the conclusion of this course, participants will have an understanding of and/or be able to:

• Discuss radiation history
• Describe the role of radiology in modern dentistry
• Explain the basic principles and concepts of radiation
• Describe the interaction of x-rays with matter
• Define key terms associated with dental radiation and radiation physics
• Describe the process of ionization
• Differentiate between particulate and electromagnetic radiation
• Explain how radiation is produced
• Identify parts of the x-ray machine and their function
• Explain Compton & Coherent Scatter
• Recognize and describe biological effects of ionizing radiation
• Describe radiation injury
• Discuss short-term and long-term effects & the somatic and genetic effects of radiation exposure
• Describe radiation protection in the dental office
• Define the ALARA concept
• Discuss interpersonal skills with managing patient relations
• Discuss legal issues with dental radiology
• Summarize the importance of educating patients about dental imaging
• Answer common questions about the need for dental images, x-ray exposure and safety
• Discuss intraoral techniques: paralleling and bisectingDefine key terms associated with panoramic imaging
• Discuss the purpose and use of panoramic imaging

1. Radiation History
2. Radiographs in Modern Dentistry
3. X-Ray Machine Parts and Function
4. The Production of X-Radiation
5. Radiation Biology
6. Radiation Safety
7. Intra-oral Radiographic Technique
8. Introduction to Panoramic Imaging

Lavina Myers, RDH, MPH is an associate professor in the Department of Diagnosis & Oral Health at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. She has taught numerous courses in the Dental Hygiene Program and has been a guest lecturer in the Oral Radiology for Dental Students. Currently, Ms. Myers teaches all Dental Hygiene Radiology courses in addition to Dental Hygiene Ethics and Practice Management. Ms. Myers is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, American Public Health Association, and the American Dental Education Association.

All University of Louisville School of Dentistry Faculty are licensed practitioners in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and have no relevant financial relationship to disclose pertaining to this course.