Preparation Course for DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Pulitzer
Cost: $275.00
Target Audience:
This course is intended for dental auxiliaries with at least three months of clinical experience with a basic understanding of dental terminology and tooth numbering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide a lecture based review for dental auxiliaries to assist with their preparation for taking the DANB® Radiation Health and Safety Exam®. The course will focus on the major content areas of the exam: the principles of x-ray generation to include exposing and evaluating radiographic images; practices and procedures to ensure patient and operator safety; radiography regulations, policies and quality assurance measures; and radiography infection control procedures. Additionally, participants will be provided with study resources, guidance for applying to take the exam and with the process for applying to the state of Maine to obtain licensure upon successful exam completion.
Learning Outcomes:
After participating in this course, the learner will be able to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of x-ray generation: radiation physics, properties of x-rays and
x-ray technical factors influencing the quality of radiographic images -
Demonstrate an understanding of basic equipment and supplies utilized in dental radiography (collimator, XCP,
image receptor holders, etc.) -
Describe radiographic equipment modifications to ensure patient and operator safety
-
Demonstrate an understanding of exposure setting adjustments that are necessary for diagnosis and minimize
radiation exposure for the patient -
Explain procedures, techniques (bisection and paralleling) and imaging best practices
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Identify the appropriate location of receptor placement to capture expected anatomy
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Identify common radiographic exposure errors
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Demonstrate an understanding of radiation biology, hazards and protection
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Discuss radiation safety procedures that protect the patient and radiographer
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Discuss patient preparation for radiographic procedures
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Demonstrate an understanding of proper mounting (conventional film and digital images)
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Demonstrate an understanding of proper documentation of exposed images
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Compare and contrast digital and conventional radiography
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Utilize effective infection control management techniques when performing dental radiography procedures
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Distinguish between various types of radiographic Images (extraoral and intraoral); describe their primary use,
purpose and individualize to patient needs -
Understand the ADA guidelines for recommending patient radiographs
-
Identify normal radiographic landmarks of the head and neck to include the teeth, jaws and surrounding
structures as well as common restorative materials -
Describe dental radiography rules and regulatory requirements
The course will also provide participants with:
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Guidance for applying to take the DANB® Radiation Health and Safety exam
-
Guidance on the process to apply for State of Maine radiography licensure upon successful DANB® exam
completion -
Additional study resources
The following textbook is required for this course:
Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques, 5th edition by Joen Iannucci DDS MS and Laura Jansen Howerton RDH MS (ISBN:97800323297424). This edition of the textbook serves as one of several recommended study resources in the Exam Outline published by the Dental Assisting National Board® and can be purchased online via numerous vendors, including Amazon. Participants may choose to purchase the textbook new, used, or in a digital format. Renting the textbook is also acceptable. Please review end of chapter summaries if at all possible prior to attending the course. It is very helpful to bring a copy of the textbook to the review session.
Meet Your Speaker

Dawn Bearor, RDH, Ed.D
Dr. Dawn Bearor possesses a Master and Doctorate degree in Higher Education from the University of Maine and is a Dental Hygiene graduate of Westbrook College. As a Maine Registered Dental Hygienist, she holds additional permits to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation. Dr. Bearor has an extensive history teaching Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students with the Dental Health Programs on the University of Maine at Augusta’s Bangor Campus as a Professor of Dental Health. She has taught numerous clinical, laboratory and lecture courses including Dental Radiology Lecture and Dental Radiology Laboratory sessions; Oral Pathology; Nutrition; and Professionalism for the Oral Health Practitioner. Additionally, she has served in the capacity of Dental Health Programs Director, worked in private practice and community dentistry settings, and as an affiliate corporate trainer for the Atlantic Leadership Institute and Beyond Compliance®. Dr. Bearor is pleased to offer Radiology Review Sessions sponsored by the Maine Dental Association to assist Dental Assistants with preparing for the DANB® Radiation Health and Safety Exam®. She is a member of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Maine Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA).