Get the Skills to Become a Dental Radiographer

Dental Imaging professional performing a dental x-ray on patient. — Increase your value as a dental professional by enrolling in the Dental Imaging Module

Add the Dental Imaging Module to your career today!

Dental Radiographers play an essential role in dental healthcare. They use specialized equipment to take X-ray images of patients’ teeth, which are used by dentists to diagnose oral health conditions and plan treatments.

If you’re an existing dental professional looking to enhance your skills and broaden your career prospects, the Dental Imaging Module from Discovery Community College provides the advanced knowledge and practical skills you need to become proficient in dental radiography.

Aug 2ndDental Imaging Module: Dental Imaging Module Discovery Community College - Surrey 10040 King George Boulevard Surrey BC Caanda V3T 2W4 The Dental Imaging Module prepares you to advance your existing dental career by becoming proficient in dental radiography. You will learn to take X-ray images of patients' teeth and jaws.https://discoverycommunitycollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AdobeStock_600467925.jpegDiscovery Community College

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Why Upskilling is Essential in Today’s Job Market

Like many Canadians, you may be concerned about the rising cost of living and the need to find ways to increase your income potential. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, training to obtain new qualifications could be a great solution.

Discovery Community College is dedicated to offering convenient, supportive, and affordable career training. With a range of funding options available, there has never been a better time to invest in upskilling. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get ahead in today’s job market.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet these requirements prior to acceptance into the program:

Meet one of these categories:

Dental Chairside level I:
- Graduated from a PTIRU accredited dental chairside level I program (submit copy of certificate and/or transcript);
- Or graduated from a provincially authorized public post-secondary institution offering a dental chairside level I program (submit copy of certificate and/or transcript);
- Or educated in private dental practice with a minimum of 600 hours of work experience as a dental chairside assistant (signed letter from current dentist-employer);
OR Dental Receptionist:
- Graduated from a PTIRU accredited dental receptionist program (submit copy of certificate and/or transcript);
- Or provincially authorized public post-secondary institution offering a dental receptionist program (submit copy of certificate and/or transcript);
- Or educated in private dental practice with minimum of 600 hours of work experience as a dental receptionist (signed letter from current dentist-employer);
OR Dental Assistant level II:
- Certified by the BCCOHP (submit copy of BCCOHP certification).

2. Submit a copy of a current Basic Life Support certificate that is effective past the end date of the module.
3. Submit a signed dental authorization form such that another student may take dental radiographs on you.
4. Meet with a DCC Administrator to complete required admission documentation.
5. Meet with the Dental Program Educator to determine suitability for the module.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Dental Imaging Module was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

This program is regulated by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.

NOC – 3411

Students will:

Describe radiography equipment and armamentarium, including their functions and care.
Describe radiation principles and characteristics, and its effect on image quality.
Explain how procedures and policies (Safety Code 30, ALARA) limit radiation exposure for the patient and operator.
Demonstrate infection control procedures.
Provide pre-exposure information and instructions to the patient or caregiver and obtain informed consent.
Document patient informed consent or refusal.
Describe techniques for taking extra-oral images.
Explain the purpose of periapical, bitewing, and occlusal radiographic examinations.
Prepare receptor holders taking posterior and anterior periapicals using paralleling and bisecting techniques, as well as for bitewing images.
Take periapical, bitewing, and occlusal images on Dexter using the paralleling and bisecting techniques.
Take prescribed dental images on a student partner.
Evaluate radiographic images for technical quality, accuracy, and diagnostic information.
Troubleshoot technique errors to produce high quality diagnostic images.
Explain image enhancement functions associated with software programs.
Identify anatomical structures commonly found in dental radiographic images, including which structures are radiopaque and radiolucent.
Describe the appearance of dental restorations on an image.

Discovery Community College programs are not eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs).

MODULE DELIVERY

Theory is taught online via Office 365 Teams
Clinic is taught at the DCC Surrey campus dental clinic
Online: 30 hours
Clinic: 56 hours
Exam: 2 hours on campus
Maximum class size is 24, with 8 students per clinic session. Students are divided into groups for clinic.

PROGRAM FEES

Domestic Fees:

Application Fee: $125.00
Tech Fee: $25.00
Lab Fee: $400.00
Tuition: $2,962.27
Textbooks: $175.98
Total: $3,697.05

Becoming a Qualified Dental Radiographer

In the Dental Imaging Module, you will be introduced to dental radiography theory, principles, and techniques. Radiation safety (Safety Code 30), infection control, patient informed consent, and ALARA principles will be emphasized to protect the patient and the operator.

You are introduced to the purposes of extraoral projections but are not taught how to take panoramic and cephalometric images.

During this program, you will learn:

Radiographic Techniques
Image Interpretation
Intraoral Digital Imaging Techniques
Infection Control Procedures
Radiation Safety
And more!

There has never been more funding for career training than there is right now. A variety of funding opportunities may be available to you, including WorkBC, Student Aid BC, and employment grants. An experienced Financial Aid Representative is available to answer any questions you may have, can assist with potential funding applications and help you discover the best options for your specific needs.

Is a Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You? Take the Discovery Community College “Dental Assistant Career Training Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Dental Assistant career training readiness score now >>

Frequently Asked Questions

: What is the Dental Imaging Module at Discovery Community College?
The Dental Imaging Module is an advanced training course designed for dental professionals in British Columbia who want to expand their qualifications in radiography. Eligible applicants include Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs), Dental Chairside Level I graduates, and Dental Receptionists with formal training or relevant experience. The module provides essential instruction in taking dental radiographs — including intraoral and panoramic imaging — in compliance with provincial safety and licensing standards.

Who can take the Dental Imaging Module?

To be eligible for the Dental Imaging Module, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

Be a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certified by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP);
Be a Dental Chairside Level I graduate, or have 600+ hours of work experience in that role (with employer verification);
Be a Dental Receptionist with formal training or at least 600 hours of work experience in a dental setting.

Applicants must also provide a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, a signed dental radiograph authorization form, and complete an interview with the program team to determine suitability.

This course is intended for practicing CDAs who are currently registered in good standing with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals but have not yet completed formal certification in dental radiography. It’s ideal for those seeking to enhance their clinical capabilities and meet licensing requirements in BC.

: Does the course cover dental panoramic radiograph techniques?
No. The module includes theoretical instruction on all extraoral radiography techniques. Hands-on instruction will be delivered for all intraoral radiography techniques using digital sensors. Students learn how to operate intraoral radiographic equipment safely and accurately, ensuring diagnostic-quality images while adhering to provincial safety regulations.

: Is this module required to take dental radiographs in BC?
Yes. Completion of this dental imaging module is a provincial requirement for CDAs who want to perform intraoral radiography. Graduates of this course will be qualified to take X-rays in dental practices throughout British Columbia.

: How is the Dental Imaging Module delivered?

The module combines theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical training. It’s delivered in a format that ensures students meet licensing standards while gaining practical experience in a simulated or real dental environment.