Course Description
CDHA and the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) have developed a four-module course that provides fundamental knowledge about the safe operation of x-ray equipment. It reviews how x-rays affect the body and how dental hygienists
can protect themselves their co-workers and their clients from unnecessary radiation exposure. This information will facilitate meaningful conversations between dental hygienists and clients who have questions about radiographic procedures.
The four modules are:
Module 1: X-Ray Physics Review
Module 1 provides the learner with a basic understanding of x-ray physics, including the nature of radiation, how x-rays interact with matter, and how the x-ray tube functions to produce x-rays. It is important to understand these basic principles to
work safely with radiation in your dental practice. These principles will underpin the other modules in this course.
Module 2: Radiation Biology
Module 2 provides the learner with a thorough overview of the concepts of radiation biology. Understanding how radiation affects our cells is crucial to working safely with it. This module will begin with a review of basic cell biology and quickly move
on to how different characteristics of the cell influence its sensitivity to ionizing radiation. The module wraps up with an exploration of the possible biological effects of radiation exposure.
Module 3: Radiation Protection
Module 3 will cover how we can work with this hazardous material in a safe manner. Working safely with radiation will help to protect us from the effects of exposure and it will also help us to protect our clients during radiographic procedures.
Module 4: Legislation Overview
In module 4, we will look at some of the legislation across the country that applies to the practice of taking radiographic images in a dental setting. It is up to each dental hygienist to be aware of specific regulations applicable to their practice
in each province. Resources are available within the slides for your review.
More course details are below. Expected course completion time is 4-5 hours (excluding the quizzes).
More Course Information
About the Course Developers
Relevance to Practice
As primary oral health care professionals, dental hygienists use radiating emitting devices in their practices. It is important to have a clear understanding of how radiation affects us and others, to use it judiciously while taking proper precautions,
and to have knowledge to share with clients who may have questions or concerns about the safety of dental x-rays.
Format for Learning
The Radiation Safety Course for Dental Hygienists includes four modules, each consisting of a learning plan, video, and quiz. The course will take approximately 4-5 hours to complete and this is an estimate. With the exception of the
quiz at the conclusion of each module, you can take as much time as you need, and you may decide to break your learning into several shorter sessions.
You will require access to a computer and the internet to complete the course. You may wish to print off the learning plan for each module to guide you through the steps. A certificate of completion is available upon successful completion of all
four modules and quizzes.
Evaluation
- Tasks listed in each learning plan are there to guide you through the module and prepare you for taking the quiz.
- When you feel you are ready, you must complete the quiz at the end of each module before moving on to the next module. The quiz is multiple choice and randomly generated from a pool of questions. The passing score is 80% for each quiz.
- You may attempt each quiz a maximum of two (2) times to achieve a passing grade. If you are not successful, contact CDHA for further assistance.
- A certificate of completion, issued by CDHA, will be available for you to print upon successful completion of all four modules and quizzes.
Course Developer
Janet Maggio, MSc, MRT(N), MRT(MR)
Janet is the Director of Professional Services at the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. She holds dual certification as a Nuclear Medicine
Technologist and an MRI Technologist and has taught in the medical imaging field for over 10 years. She recently completed her Masters of Science in Health Science Education through McMaster University.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Please note that your access to this course will expire one year from the date of purchase; course registration fees are non-refundable.
DISCLAIMER: Please note courses and on demand webinars cannot be completed on tablets and other mobile devices.