Radiography and radiation protection – an IRMER course for entitled practitioners and operators (WI09032018)

09:00-09:30 Registration

The educational programme starts at 09:30.

09:30 - 10:45: Lecture 1 Justification

10:45 - 11:00: Refreshment break

11:00 -13:00: Lecture 2 Limitation

13:00 - 14:00: Lunch

14:00 - 15:00: Lecture 3 Optimisation

15:00 - 15:15: Refreshment break

15:15 - 16:30: Lecture 4 Optimisation

16:30 - 17:00: End of course quiz and discussion

Recommended: Dentist or radiography qualified DCP

The aim of this course is to provide continuing education and training in key aspects of dental radiology for IRMER practitioners and operators. Requirements of the GDC and Schedule 2 of Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 will be met by this course.

1. To explain the principles of radiation physics and the risks of ionising radiation in dental radiology.

2. To consider radiation doses in dental radiography and factors affecting dose.

3. To discuss the statutory responsibilities for IRMER practitioners and operators by examining current UK legislation and guidelines governing the use of ionising radiation in dentistry.

4. To consider the principles of radiation protection and selection criteria for radiography.

5. To provide information on the requirements of quality assurance systems, medico-legal dental radiology, record keeping and clinical audit.

Following this course learners should be able to: 

1. Describe the fundamentals of radiation physics, and the risk/benefits and biological effects of radiation, so as to demonstrate knowledge of hazard associated with exposure.

2. Summarise the factors affecting radiation doses received by patients and staff in dental radiology, and outline attendant quality assurance systems, so as to demonstrate theoretical ability to minimise risks and ensure the consistent quality of radiographs.

3. Outline general points of current UK legislation and guidance governing the use of ionising radiation in dentistry, so as to demonstrate awareness of statutory responsibilities.

4. Summarise the principles of justification, authorisation and optimisation in dental radiology, so as to demonstrate theoretical ability regarding the safe use of radiographs in dental practice.

5. Recognise and describe key aspects of radiography quality assurance framework, so as to implement effective strategies in own practice.