Multidisciplinary CBCT training (level 1 and 2)

Certificate in Dental Radiography

Dental nurses should have already obtained the Certificate in Dental Radiography prior to commencing CBCT level 1 training. We offer an online course, the ‘BDA Education Certificate in Dental Radiography’, which is a nationally-recognised qualification that entitles you to take radiographs unsupervised upon successful completion of the course. Full details, including the next intake and how to enrol, can be found on our website.

CBCT level 1 training

Once the Certificate in Dental Radiography is gained, dental nurses should then complete CBCT level 1 training. Our online CBCT level 1 course will provide the required 7 hours of core training needed for dentists and dental nurses to perform CBCT scans (and ensure dentists who prescribe CBCT imaging are competent to request appropriately). The course complies with guidance produced by the College of General Dentistry (CGDent) and PHE on radiation protection. 

To fulfil CBCT level 1 training, dental nurses should ensure they have completed the required 5 hours of IRMER radiography training within the past 5 years. 

CBCT level 2 (Further) training for operators performing dental CBCT imaging

*PLEASE NOTE: This aspect of level 2 training differs from the 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training in dental CBCT justification and image interpretation' (which is only suitable for dentists)*

Dental nurses are required to undertake 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training for operators performing dental CBCT imaging', which covers the practical aspects of dental CBCT equipment and should be provided by the manufacturer or agent installing the CBCT unit. The training should be specific to the unit. The 2nd edition of the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment states an initial period of 6 hours training is recommended. This should allow the operator to become familiar with the equipment and to begin imaging patients safely and confidently. A second 6-hour period should be undertaken after a short period (e.g. one month) of initial usage, in order to provide further detailed training on patient positioning, dose and image optimisation, further machine options, to answer questions.

'CBCT level 2 (Further) training in dental CBCT justification and image interpretation' is intended for dentists only and is not suitable for dental nurses. 

For full details about CBCT training requirements, please refer to pages 61 - 62 of the 2nd edition of the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment and also Appendix H (pages 136 – 142).

CBCT level 1 training

Dentists should complete CBCT level 1 training. Our online CBCT level 1 course will  ensure dentists who prescribe CBCT imaging are competent to request appropriately and provide core training needed for dentists (and dental nurses) to perform CBCT scans. The course complies with guidance produced by the College of General Dentistry (CGDent) and PHE on radiation protection. 

To fulfil CBCT level 1 training, dentists should ensure they have completed the required 5 hours of IRMER radiography training within the past 5 years. 

CBCT level 2 (Further) training for operators performing dental CBCT imaging

*PLEASE NOTE: This aspect of level 2 training differs from the 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training in dental CBCT justification and image interpretation'*

Dentists are required to undertake 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training for operators performing dental CBCT imaging', which covers the practical aspects of dental CBCT equipment and should be provided by the manufacturer or agent installing the CBCT unit. The training should be specific to the unit.

The 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training in dental CBCT justification and image interpretation' is intended for dentists who wish to interpret scans and write reports. 

For full details about CBCT training requirements, please refer to pages 61 - 62 of the 2nd edition of the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment and also Appendix H (pages 136 – 142).

CBCT level 1 training

Dentists should complete CBCT level 1 training. Our online CBCT level 1 course will  ensure dentists who prescribe CBCT imaging are competent to request appropriately and provide core training needed for dentists (and dental nurses) to perform CBCT scans. The course complies with guidance produced by the College of General Dentistry (CGDent) and PHE on radiation protection. 

To fulfil CBCT level 1 training, dentists should ensure they have completed the required 5 hours of IRMER radiography training within the past 5 years. 

CBCT level 2 (Further) training for operators performing dental CBCT imaging

*PLEASE NOTE: This aspect of level 2 training differs from the 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training in dental CBCT justification and image interpretation'*

Dentists are required to undertake 'CBCT level 2 (Further) training for operators performing dental CBCT imaging', which covers the practical aspects of dental CBCT equipment and should be provided by the manufacturer or agent installing the CBCT unit. The training should be specific to the unit.

CBCT level 2 (Further) training in dental CBCT justification and image interpretation

This area of level 2 training is designed to extend the knowledge of those dentists
undertaking the justification and interpretation of CBCT imaging in the dento-alveolar
region. Further training in CBCT image interpretation must follow on from the successful
completion of a Level 1 (‘core training’) course. The training should be undertaken as a combination of didactic teaching, hands-on training in the use of imaging software and case-based interpretation exercises over an initial period of at least 6 hours, ideally with a further 6 hours for self-study and small group-study, including case-based discussions, interpretation exercises and mentoring to follow. 

Our in-person CBCT level 2 training, in both London and Preston, offers the required 6 hours of didactic teaching and hands-on training in the use of imaging software and case-based interpretation exercises. Please visit our webpage for our next course dates. 

For full details about CBCT training requirements, please refer to pages 61 - 62 of the 2nd edition of the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment and also Appendix H (pages 136 – 142).

For full details about the training requirements in CBCT for all members of the dental team, please refer to pages 61 - 62 of the 2nd edition of the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment and also Appendix H (pages 136 – 142).

The 2nd edition of the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment (page 62) states the employer must take steps to ensure that IRMER practitioners and operators undertake continuing education and training after qualification. For those involved with dental CBCT, it is suggested that as a minimum, about one of the recommended five hours of verifiable CPD in radiology and radiation protection should be specific to dental CBCT.