12.2
Knowledge and skill requirements, specific duties and responsibilities, and professional goals are expected of a dental radiographer. To be a competent dental radiographer, background knowledge of dental imaging is essential. A dental radiographer is a person who positions, exposes, and processes dental x-ray film and is either a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, or a dental receptionist. In Ontario, the dental radiographer must have completed a HARP approved course.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
To be a radiographer, a basic understanding of radiation history is required and one must have a working knowledge of radiation physics, characteristics, biology, and protection. Familiarization with dental x-ray equipment, film, image characteristics, processing, and quality assurance is essential, as well as patient management skills, technique concepts, and technical skills. It is important that the dental radiographer masters knowledge and skills in order to provide good quality care.
Duties and Responsibilities
It is important to remember that each member of a dental team has an important role in the practice. The duties and responsibilities of a dental radiographer may include the follow:
- Positioning and exposing dental x-ray films
- Processing dental x-ray films
- Mounting and identifying dental images
- Educating patients
- Maintaining darkroom facilities and processing equipment
- Implementing and monitoring quality control procedures
- Ordering film and supplies
In the Iannucci & Howerton, Dental Radiography Principles & Techniques, 6th Edition textbook on page 126, refer to Figure 12-4.
Professional Goals
A dental radiographer’s professional goals should be a priority and primary concern. When the dental radiographer attains professional goals, the patient receives the highest quality of care possible. Professional goals should include patient protection, operator protection, patient education, operator competence, operator efficiency, production of quality images, and quality care.
