Certificate in Dental Radiography

Gain essential expertise in dental radiography with the post-registration course designed to empower dental professionals to confidently undertake and interpret radiographic imagery.

Duration

6 months

Delivered

In person

Fee

£1100 + VAT

Start Date

October 2026

This six-month online course combines innovative learning technology with engaging, interactive modules, allowing you to develop your skills flexibly alongside your existing commitments. The qualification is certificated by the College of Radiographers, the UK’s professional body for diagnostic imaging.

Once qualified, you’ll be able to take dental radiographs under prescription, supporting accurate diagnoses and delivering an even higher standard of patient ca

Throughout your training, you’ll gain hands-on experience in dental procedures, patient care and infection control, while developing important skills in communication, professionalism and leadership. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you can apply for GDC registration and begin an exciting career where you can make a real difference to patients every day—with opportunities to keep learning, progress and shape a future you can be proud of.

Maria Pemberton

Maria Pemberton is the lead tutor for this course, and brings a wealth of experience in Dental Nursing. Starting her dental career at just 16, she now has almost 40 years experience in Dental Nursing as well as experience as an examiner. 

What You'll Study

This course is designed to help you turn your ambition into a rewarding career in dental nursing. You’ll gain real-world experience while building a strong understanding of patient care, clinical procedures, infection control, dental radiography and medical emergencies. Along the way, you’ll also strengthen your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, helping you feel confident and prepared in the dental practice.

Through flexible online study, supported workplace learning and structured assessments, you’ll work towards meeting the requirements for GDC registration. By the end of your training, you’ll be ready to begin a career where every day brings the opportunity to support patients, learn something new and make a genuine difference.

Core Modules

Professional Practice & the Radiography Dental Nurse

Scope of practice, professional responsibilities, GDC requirements, CPD, evidence-based practice, record keeping, confidentiality, audit and reflective practice.

How X-rays are produced, their properties and interaction with matter, radiation dose, biological effects and radiation risks.

Radiation protection principles, dose optimisation, protection of patients, staff and the public, and safe working procedures.

IR(ME)R, IRR, the responsibilities of the Employer, Referrer, Practitioner and Operator, Local Rules and legal compliance.

Dental X-ray equipment, image receptors, digital radiography, sensors, phosphor plates, image processing and factors affecting image quality.

Periapical, bitewing and occlusal techniques, including positioning, patient preparation and prevention of common errors.

Principles and techniques for extra-oral imaging, including panoramic radiography and cephalometry.

Assessing diagnostic image quality, recognising faults, repeat exposures, quality assurance programmes, equipment checks and clinical audit.

Explaining procedures and radiation risk, consent, managing anxious patients, children and patients requiring additional support.

Applying theory in practice and producing safe, diagnostically acceptable radiographs under prescription while completing the NEBDN Record of Competence (RoC).

Why You'll Love it

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for registered Dental Nurses who want to expand their clinical role by gaining a recognised qualification in dental radiography. It’s ideal for professionals looking to take radiographs under prescription, develop greater responsibility within their practice and support accurate diagnosis and high-quality patient care.

It is particularly suited to motivated Dental Nurses who are ready to strengthen their technical knowledge, increase their confidence and create new opportunities for career progression.

With flexible online learning, workplace experience and guidance from experienced tutors, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive as a dental nurse and build a successful future in the profession.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for registered Dental Nurses who want to expand their clinical role by gaining a recognised qualification in dental radiography. It’s ideal for professionals looking to take radiographs under prescription, develop greater responsibility within their practice and support accurate diagnosis and high-quality patient care.

It is particularly suited to motivated Dental Nurses who are ready to strengthen their technical knowledge, increase their confidence and create new opportunities for career progression.

With flexible online learning, workplace experience and guidance from experienced tutors, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive as a dental nurse and build a successful future in the profession.