This two-day radiation safety program held on Saturday, October 6 and Saturday, October 27 is a combination of didactic, laboratory and clinical instruction designed to meet the requirements of the Dental Board of California. Upon registration, participants will receive study manuals to review before the program begins.
The didactic portion will cover the history and development of radiographs as well as techniques used to obtain proper diagnostic films. Participants will be introduced to digital radiography including the placement, maintenance and infection control of the digital sensors. After completing this portion, participants must pass a written test with a minimum score of 75% on the information covered before proceeding to the lab and clinical sessions. If a candidate is unsuccessful in passing the written exam, he/she will not be allowed to continue with the program and tuition will not be refunded.
During the lab portion, students will perform hands-on exercises on manikins and must complete all requirements for the diagnostic-quality radiographs before proceeding to the clinical experience.
For the home study portion, each participant is required to perform three diagnostic-quality, full-mouth surveys (either analog film or digital format) under the supervision and with the verification of a licensed dentist. The surveys will be submitted and reviewed on the second day of the program. These materials will remain in program files as the University's property. Individuals who do not submit qualifying radiographs have 30 days to re-submit. Certification will not be granted without successfully completing all assignments.
The clinical portion will consist of participants making radiographs on human subjects following stipulated guidelines. Participants must submit, in duplicate, one diagnostic-quality, full-mouth survey to the course instructors for pass/fail evaluation on the last day of the program. Certification will be issued to those participants successfully obtaining a passing score.
The program is open to allied dental professionals wishing to obtain certification in radiation safety for fulfillment of the Dental Board of California's certification requirements. Proof of English proficiency (a minimum TOFEL score of 550) may be required.
Tuition: $625 (limited to 24 participants; includes continental breakfast)
Deposit: $210 (non-refundable)
Program: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Check-in: 8:30 am
Credits: This activity is designated for 32 continuing education credits.
Gurminder Sidhu, BDS, DDS, MS, is assistant professor in the Department of Dental Practice and director of radiology at Pacific. A graduate of Pacific, Dr. Sidhu also holds a master of science degree in oral and maxillofacial radiology from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Elham Mahdavi, DDS, is an assistant professor and radiology clinical faculty at Pacific. A graduate of the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Dr. Mahdavi is active in organized dentistry and is in private practice in San Jose, California.
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is an ADA CERP recognized provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry designates this activity for 32 continuing education credits.
