Level 3 Certificate in Dental Imaging

Course title: Certificate in Dental Imaging
This course is aimed at dental nurses who with to undertake the practical aspects of dental radiography and become operators, enabling them to take dental radiographs and scans on referral from a suitable healthcare professional.
Awarded by: The Dental Education, Learning and Training Academy (DELTA)
Structure: The course is delivered by way of six modules. All modules are mandatory and must be passed.
Grading: Pass or fail
Pre-requisites: Candidates must hold GDC registration and a recognised Dental Nurse qualification.
Assessment: This qualification is assessed by:

  • Workplace Portfolio of Experience which is assessed as a whole and contributes toward 60% of the final grade
  • Final examination - a 60 minute written exam on all subjects covered forms 40% of the overall grade
Candidates must achieve a pass in all modules to gain the qualification.
Resit Arrangements: Candidates can receive a small course extension to amend or change any information in the Workplace Portfolio of Evidence.

Candidates get two attempts at the final examination.
Practical Component: Taking dental radiographs - Cone Beam CT is inlcuded in the programme however access to a Cone Beam CT unit is not mandatory to complete the programme.
Guided Learning Hours: This programme is 300 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Course length: 9 - 12 months
Credits: This course attracts 30 credits

Course Content

Module 1 Content Module 1 Assessment
Legislation End of module assignments
 
Module 2 Content Module 2 Assessment
Quality Assurance
Faults and errors
Audits		 Quality assurance activity as part of the WPoE.
 
Module 3 Content Module 3 Assessment
Equipment used in Image Production
Film Based systems
Digital systems		 End of module assignments
 
Module 4 Content Module 4 Assessment
Interaction with Matter
Radiation Physics
Biological Effects of Radiation
Dose		 End of module assignments
 
Module 5 Content Module 5 Assessment
Intra oral techniques
  • Periapical views
  • Bitewing views
Extra oral techniques
  • Panoramic radiographs
Additional techniques
  • Occlusal views
  • Bisected angles
  • Cephalometric
 End of module assignments
WPoE logs
 
Module 6 Content Module 6 Assessment
Cone beam CT
  • Image acquisition
  • Radiation Protection
  • Principles of Cone Beam CT imaging
 End of module questions

Assessment

Workplace Portfolio of Evidence

The Workplace Portfolio of Evidence is completed alongside the online course work. This will demonstrate the learner’s practical ability with regard to the taking of radiographs and the safety of all concerned.

The WPoE consists of:

  • 15 Periapical radiographs
  • 10 pairs of bitewing radiographs
  • 10 panoramic radiographs

A further 5 radiographs selected from the following options:

  • Occlusal views
  • Bisected angle views
  • Cephalometric views
  • Cone Beam CT Scans

Where the acquisition of any or all of the additional 5 views is not possible, students will be required to simulate the dental radiographs. If this includes CBCT, then they will be required to write an account on the taking of Cone Beam CT scans to complete the requirements. Those students with access to a Cone Beam CT machine are encouraged to undertake all 5 additional views using this modality. 

Risk Assessment

Learners will undertake a risk assessment of their radiographic facilities and create a report of their findings

Quality Assurance / Image Audit

Learners will undertake an audit of a minimum of 35 dental images, highlighting faults and creating an audit report on their findings.

The Workplace Portfolio of Evidence contributes toward 60% of the final grade.

Written Exam

Candidates will be required to sit a final written exam of 60 minutes duration. The examination is provided electronically and candidates will be able to take it in their own environment under strict, proctored examination conditions. A reliable WiFi connection is essential. This contributes to 40% of the final grade.