619.ACADEMYRadiology is an essential component of the dental profession. Dentists use radiographs (commonly called X-rays) for a number of functions, including finding hidden dental structures, malignant or benign masses, bone loss, and cavities. In fact, all dental patients are required to receive radiographs every couple of years. Radiograph imaging and preliminary analysis are often performed by dental assistants, which is why learning the ins and outs of dental radiology is essential for all individuals looking to build a career in the dental assistant profession.
DA500: Dental Radiology is a specialized course offered as part of our Dental Assistant Program here at Howard Academy. In this dental radiology course, students will learn the basics of radiographic physics as well as comprehensive radiology protocol for dental imaging. Students will also have the opportunity to practice radiographic techniques in a real dental office setting. Course material is supplemented with out-of-class readings, assignments, and projects. DA100: Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis is a prerequisite for DA500: Dental Radiology. Learn more about this dental radiology course below, and enroll here at Howard Academy today.
Learn the Basics of Radiographic Physics and Comprehensive Radiology Protocol
To help students build a solid foundation in radiology, DA500 begins with an overview of the basic principles of radiographic physics. Understanding how the physical processes behind radiology work on a fundamental level will help students when performing dental assistant radiology tasks in professional settings. This will lead to better radiographic results and dental assistant performance overall.
In addition to helping students build a foundation in the physics of radiology, DA500 also focuses extensively on all practical areas of radiology as they apply to the dental profession. In this comprehensive dental radiology course, students are given extensive instruction in radiographic production and darkroom errors, bitewing radiographs, intra-oral techniques, mounting full-mouth radiographs, and manual film processing. Students are also taught production of acceptable dental radiographs, including an overview of panoramic film techniques, and automatic film processing. Each of these functions and subject areas are relevant for dental assistants, and proficiency in each will help ensure success for students in professional dental office settings.
Practice Radiology Techniques in a Real Dental Office Setting
To cement students’ proficiency in dental radiology functions, DA500: Dental Radiology gives students the opportunity to practice techniques and protocol in a real dental office setting. Here at Howard Academy, we are proud to partner with The Super Dentists, one of Southern California’s premier dental care providers, to give our students this incredibly beneficial privilege. Unlike other dental radiography courses, which are conducted entirely in classroom setting, DA500 gives students hours of class time in The Super Dentists’ state-of-the-art facilities. During these sessions, students have the opportunity to practice exposing films and taking full-mouth radiographs and x-rays for diagnosis using mannequins and patients. (Instruction in radiograph duplication is also provided.) This hands-on exposure gives students valuable experience that will translate immediately in the professional dental world. It’s one of the many reasons why DA500 here at Howard Academy is one of the top dental radiology courses in southern California.
Augment Your Learning With Out-of-Class Work
As DA500 covers an extensive array of highly-specialized material, students will be expected to complete out-of-class work, including reading and writing assignments, practice and practical application assignments, and other projects. These assignments will help students retain course materials and perform better when administering techniques in a dental office setting.
DA500: Dental Radiology requires the completion of four patient surveys as clinical practice, with no more than three retakes. DA100: Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis is a prerequisite for this dental radiology course.
Learn More and Enroll in DA500: Dental Radiology
Interested in learning more about DA500: Dental Radiology? Contact our team here at Howard Academy for information and resources on this hands-on dental radiology course. Ready to enroll in our Dental Assistant Program? Click here to get started.
