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How do I get Dental X-Ray Certification?

Laura M. Sands
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 18,877
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The process for obtaining dental x-ray certification may vary according to where you live or where you intend to work. In most places, however, you can become certified to perform dental x-rays by becoming a dental technician, a dental hygienist or a dental assistant first. Investigate the programs or training courses available in your area, as well as the precise laws that relate to dental x-ray certification. You may also become certified as a general x-ray technician before specializing in dental radiography.

In order to become a dental assistant, a dental technician or a dental hygienist, you will first need to be trained either on the job or through a specific training program. While completion times may vary, most programs take at least one year to complete. After training, however, you will also need to become legally certified to administer x-rays by your local government authority. While many do enter the field of dental assisting through on-the-job training, be aware that to obtain dental x-ray certification, most governments require individuals to be trained at an accredited school or program first.

In addition to a core training program, additional courses in radiology may be required before you are allowed to take certification examinations. This requirement varies according to where you plan to work, so check with your local authorities to determine whether or not this applies to you. Be aware that you may also need to occasionally take additional courses even after obtaining dental x-ray certification, as some jurisdictions require continuing education hours to periodically renew certifications.

You may also receive dental x-ray certification by first becoming a radiologic technologist before specializing in dental x-rays. This approach will not only prepare you to work in dentistry, but will offer you broader opportunities to work in other health settings, as well. In order to do so, however, you must first attend specialized and accredited training, which may take a year or two to complete. After training, licensing examinations and procedures will vary according to where you live and plan to work. In many cases, however, training prepares you to take the appropriate exams and enter the field with full certification soon thereafter.

In addition to enrolling in the appropriate courses to ultimately achieve dental x-ray certification, it is important to strengthen a few other skills to be successful in training and testing and to obtain employment. For instance, working as a dental x-ray technician requires employees to pay very strong attention to detail, as well as possess an ability to follow directions well. Having good manual dexterity also helps, as does an ability to communicate well with patients during x-ray procedures. Prior to investing the time and money needed for training for dental x-ray certification, it is important that you honestly assess whether or not you possess these strengths.

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Laura M. Sands
By Laura M. Sands
Laura Sands, the founder of a publishing company, brings her passion for writing and her expertise in digital publishing to her work. With a background in social sciences and extensive online work experience, she crafts compelling copy and content across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a skilled contributor to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
By Spotiche5 — On Jul 17, 2014

@talentryto- I don't think that anyone who is interested in a career as a dental x-ray technician should be concerned about radiation exposure. Today's dental x-ray equipment is safe to use, and puts out less radiation than older equipment. Also, most dental offices are set up to keep the people operating the x-ray equipment safe and free of radiation exposure.

For example, dental assistants and hygienists usually go into another room or behind a dividing wall when they take dental x-rays. This prevents them from being exposed to excessive radiation from the equipment.

By Raynbow — On Jul 17, 2014

@talentryto- Yes, it is a safe career. Dental hygienists and dental assistants are taught how to protect themselves from radiation exposure from x-ray equipment when they are in dental school.

By Talentryto — On Jul 16, 2014

I would think that over time, working as a dental x-ray technician would expose a person to a lot of radiation. This could cause a lot of health issues in the future. Is this career safe to pursue?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands
Laura Sands, the founder of a publishing company, brings her passion for writing and her expertise in digital publishing...
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