The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers X-ray certification as a component of the certified dental assistant program. Applicants must pass the DANB radiation health and safety exam.
Why Certify
According to the DANB, 19 states including Arizona and Virginia recognize this X-ray certification, and some states require dental assistants to hold the certification before engaging in professional practice.
Training
Accredited dental assisting training programs offer courses in the use of radiological equipment. Colleges and technical schools across the country have such programs and may take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. However, a single course consisting of a total of approximately 60 hours of classroom, laboratory and supervised clinical experience often provides students with the necessary background to pass the exam.
Application
Fill out the DANB exam application. Be sure to sign, date, and include proper payment, about $150 (as of 2010).
Testing
The certification exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. Candidates have 75 minutes to complete the test. Questions cover the X-ray process, labeling processes and safety for operators and patients.
Tags: X-ray certification