Dental Assisting: Oral Radiography

Dental Assistants work in dental offices assisting dentists in providing services to patients. The majority of the work is performed for procedures that include development of impressions, assisting with treatment such as fillings and root canals, and preparation of patient operatory. They may assist in reception and scheduling duties, sterilization of instruments, cleaning and disinfection of operatories, exposing radiographs, and other duties. Hours are generally standard daytime with some evening and weekend flexibility depending on the facility. This course prepares students to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board's Radiation Health and Safety Exam which is required to become a Dental Radiation Technologist in Maryland. This course is open to students who have had previous training at a dental office or facility.

Students should be detail oriented, and demonstrate dexterity (good at working with hands), interpersonal skills, listening skills, and organizational skills which are all essential for success. See Technical Standards at the end of this document.

Career opportunities include entry level dental assistant position.​

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment the number of dental assistants has been projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 56,400 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Program Course Sequence

Course Information: For clinical dental assistants taking the stand alone Oral Radiography course: