Radiology and Radiation Protection
Module 1: Principles, risks and benefits of radiation
“Easy, concise, reader-friendly. Helpful information which can be used in the practice daily.”
This online, verifiable CPD course is aimed at dental professionals looking to fulfil their GDC requirements in Radiology and Radiation Protection. Meets Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER17).
Module 1 looks at the subject of radiation; where it is found in the natural environment and how dental x-rays are produced. It explains the risks and benefits of ionising radiation and the factors involved in reducing the dosage to the patient. There is an overview of the two sets of legislation concerning radiography, along with the requirements for registration of practices with the Health and Safety Executive.
This course aims to provide dental professionals with an understanding of the principles, risks and benefits of radiation in the dental practice following the guidance regulations, IRR17 and IRMER17.
During this course, you should recognise the risks and benefits of ionising radiation in the dental environment. You will learn about the risks and benefits of using radiation, highlighting the importance of reducing dosage when possible.
The objective of this e-learning course is to provide dental professionals with:
- An understanding of the principles of radiation physics.
- An understanding of radiation in the environment.
- An understanding of the risks and benefits of ionising radiation.
- Knowledge of factors in reducing the dosage of x-ray radiation.
- An introduction to the legislation governing radiology and radiation protection.
- An understanding of the requirements for registration with HSE.
C, D
Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017: guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Health and Safety: Ionising Radiation (hse.gov.uk)
Working with ionising radiation: notify, register or get consent (hse.gov.uk)
Recommended reading
Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment (2020)
College of General Dentistry – formerly the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)
Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography (2013 updated 2018)
College of General Dentistry – formerly the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)
https://cgdent.uk/selection-criteria-for-dental-radiography/
Both these publications are available to download free of charge from the College of General Dentistry website.
Jim Kentley
Jim qualified in dentistry in the Dark Ages of 1975 (literally for those who remember the strikes and power cuts from that era). He spent 40 years as a general dental practitioner in York along with a part-time role as a practice advisor with Denplan from 1993 to 2018. Always keen on postgraduate education he was one of the first to gain the FGDP(UK) certificates in Management and Leadership, Practice Appraisal, and Mentoring. Now retired from practice he enjoys walking and cycling in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, and indulging his love of good food and wines!
This training is suitable for:
- IRMER practitioners and operators.
- Dental care professionals acting as an operator taking radiographs with a diploma or certificate in radiography.
- Undergraduate dentist and dental care professionals looking for initial IRMER training.
- GDC registrants looking to gain their 5 hours of recommended training.
This module is part of our Radiology and Radiation Protection five course series. We recommend that you complete all five courses (in order). Pay less for the series by purchasing the course bundle.
Course Curriculum
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What is radiation?
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Where do we find radiation in everyday life?
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Background radiation
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Radiation dose
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How do we measure radiation?
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Monitoring radiation dose to practice team members
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Monitoring for pregnant staff
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How does an x-ray machine work?
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Benefits of radiography
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Risks of radiography
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Relative risks of radiation
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Factors which will reduce radiation risks
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The legislation governing radiology and radiation protection
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Recommended reading
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Summary – Radiology and Radiation Protection Module 1
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Pre-Question Advice Preview
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Radiology and Radiation Protection Module 1
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Feedback & Reflective Learning Guidance
Your course includes
Up-to-date information
Our course material is both current and relevant; verified by leaders in the dental industry.
Various media
We use a combination of text, imagery, videos and presentations to help you get the most out of this course.
Course downloads
This course features documents for you to download and use in your dental practice.
Post-course feedback
Upon completion of the course you are required to complete a short feedback survey.
Frequently asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course begins when you are ready. Although the course duration is 40 minutes, you can work at your own pace, and your progress is saved automatically.
How long do I have access to the course?
After you have successfully enrolled on the course, there is no limit on when you must complete the course by.
Does the course have a test?
Yes. There is a short assessment at the end of the course. You must achieve 80% or more to pass the course. If you do not pass, you have the opportunity to review the content and re-take the assessment when you are ready.
Does the course offer a certificate upon completion?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a personalised certificate. This is saved to your personal dashboard. You can download and print this certificate when you require it. In addition, you are also credited with a digital badge that will feature in your personal dashboard.
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