Dental Radiology Certificate Program

WDEN-001 Dental Radiology Certificate Program

Hours: 12 hours online / 12 hours clinical
Fee: $429
Instruction: Online In-person Hybrid

Program Description

This intensive two-week hybrid (online and clinical component) course trains dental assistants in the fundamentals of dental radiography. Approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry, the successful completion of this course will render the Dental Assistant qualified to expose radiographs in practices located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  

The Dental Radiology Certificate Program will explore the basics of dental radiology, including x-ray physics, characteristics of radiation, the dental x-ray machine, effects of radiation exposure, radiation protection, image receptors, digital radiography, dental radiographic anatomy, and intra and extra-oral radiographic procedures. Students will gain experience exposing digital radiographs and correctly mounting them using a digital mount. This experience will be gained by hands-on exposure on a manikin and hands-on placement on both a manikin and a lab partner. A final laboratory competency consists of exposure and evaluation of a full mouth series on a live patient selected by the student.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of this introductory course in dental radiology, each student will be able to:

  1. Identify normal anatomical landmarks in periapical, bitewing, occlusal, and panoramic radiographs.
  2. Consistently produce acceptable diagnostic bitewing, periapical, occlusal, and panoramic radiographs.
  3. Discuss the scientific principles that govern radiographic techniques including radiation physics, radiation characteristics, radiation biology, and radiation safety techniques, including the ALARA principle.
  4. Appreciate and guard against the dangers of x-radiation.
  5. List and explain the selection criteria for prescribing dental radiographs.
  6. Compare and contrast intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs and identify their purposes and uses in dental disease identification.
  7. Manage dental patients competently during clinical radiographic procedures.
  8. Determine common radiographic errors that cause poor radiographic quality and be able to correct those errors.
  9. Describe a diagnostically acceptable radiograph.
  10. Interpret radiographs and be able to distinguish normal anatomy from oral pathologies, caries, and periodontal diseases.
  11. List and explain state and federal laws that pertain to the practice of dental radiography.
  12. Explain the purpose, technique, and benefits of digital radiography.
  13. Describe the techniques and purpose of using localization techniques in radiology.

Students will be awarded a certificate upon successful completion of all course requirements.

Program Details

Prerequisites/Requirements

Prerequisites

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be currently working in a dental office. You will be required to provide proof upon registration.

Fee: $429

Need help convincing your employer to help cover the costs?

Individual Training Account (ITA) - Funding

What is an Individual Training Account (ITA)?

An Individual Training Account (ITA) is an account set up on behalf of an adult or dislocated worker to pay for training services. The purpose of the ITA is to give program participants maximum choice in selecting a training program.

One-Stop Career Centers determine the dollar amount limits, time limits, and other requirements for use of ITA accounts.
If you are approved for an ITA account, you must choose your training services from the statewide list of ITA-approved programs. A One-Stop Career Center employment counselor will give you information to help you make an informed choice about how to spend your ITA funds.

You can use the Mass.gov Department of Workforce Training's Online Services Training Course Search to find ITA-approved training programs that meet your needs. Select "ITA" from the Approved Course Type drop-down box to find ITA-approved programs.

How do I apply?

To apply for the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program and Individual Training Account (ITA) funds, visit your One-Stop Career Center, or call the Division of Career Services at 617-626-5300.

To find the Career Center nearest you, see Find a Career Center near You on the Department of Workforce Development web site.

For more information about One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts, see One-Stop Career Centers.

Section H23

Registration Deadline

One week prior to the start of classes

Online Classroom

The online class is on the Blackboard platform and has four modules. Class opens on Monday, December 2, 2024. You must successfully complete all modules by the last lab. These are asynchronous modules that can be completed at any time and at your convenience. Full instructions and your Blackboard credentials will be provided before the start of the online classes. There will be a web-based final examination at the conclusion of the course.

Labs

Participation in all lab sections for a total of 12 hours is required to complete this course. The posted lab offerings are not optional nor interchangeable. This will occur during the last lab of the course section.

  • Wednesday, December 11, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 12, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 18, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 19, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Section H31

Registration Deadline

One week prior to the start of classes

Online Classroom

The online class is on the Blackboard platform and has four modules. Class opens on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. You must successfully complete all modules by the last lab. These are asynchronous modules that can be completed at any time and at your convenience. Full instructions and your Blackboard credentials will be provided before the start of the online classes. There will be a web-based final examination at the conclusion of the course.

Labs

Participation in all lab sections for a total of 12 hours is required to complete this course. The posted lab offerings are not optional nor interchangeable. This will occur during the last lab of the course section.

  • Wednesday, January 22, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 23, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 29, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 30, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Dental Radiography Principles and Techniques, ed.5. Elsevier, 2017
Iannucci and Howerton
ISBN: 978-0-323-29742-4

Required Lab Apparel
Clean lab coats and scrubs

Book may be purchased in the STCC Bookstore, on Amazon or other book vendors.

Refund Policy

Withdraw prior to the start of class* - 100% Refund
No Refunds will be given once class begins

In the absence of a written third party contractual agreement stating otherwise, all refunds will be issued to the student. Credit card payments will be refunded directly to the credit card if processed within thirty days of the payment.

Course Cancellation Policy

The STCC Workforce Training office reserves the right to cancel any course that does not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

Student Handbook Policies

As a participant in this program/course I understand that I am bound by all the rules, regulations, and policies of STCC as outlined in the Springfield Technical Community College Student Handbook.

Disability-Related Accommodations

In compliance with Springfield Technical Community College's policy and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations are available. Students who desire such accommodations should provide documentation of a disability to register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Proper registration will enable ODS counselors to verify the disability and determine reasonable academic accommodations

To view Dental Radiology Certificate Program related careers, live job listings, and average salaries please see STCC’s Career Coach.

For questions or interest in our current or future programs, please complete our Workforce Development Program Inquiry Form, and one of our Recruitment and Retention Specialists will contact you promptly. For all other questions, please use the contact below.

The STCC Workforce Development Center
Building 27, Second Floor

Enrollment Process

Enroll Online

  1. Review the Prerequisites/Requirements above.
  2. Click the Enroll Now button below.
  3. Click the "Select" button next to your desired section. A window appears.
  4. Click "Add Section to Cart". A success message appears.
  5. Click the "Next" button in the top right corner.
  6. Enter your personal information.
  7. Click the "Submit" button.

Enroll Now

Enroll in Person

Go to Building 27, 2nd floor to register for the course or call (413) 755-4225.