Ensuring competency in dental radiography: A structured proforma for dental therapists and hygienists to demonstrate prior learning and experience.

Abstract

Dental radiography is essential in dentistry for diagnosis, treatment planning, and management. The evolving scope of practice for dental professionals in the UK, including those in dental therapy and hygiene, now includes roles outlined by IR(ME)R 2017 such as Referrer, Practitioner, and Operator. Graduates from UK dental therapy and hygiene BSc programmes are expected to be competent in radiography principles and procedures. However, dental therapists who graduated before 2013 may lack these competencies and must demonstrate equivalent training through CPD courses and clinical experience. This paper introduces a structured proforma, guided by the British Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology (BSDMFR) Core Curricula, to help dental therapists align their prior learning and experience with required competencies. The proforma serves as a checklist for dental therapists to document their skills, identify learning gaps, and provide evidence of competency. It ensures compliance with IR(ME)R 2017 regulations and supports non-medical referrers in meeting training and governance standards. The proforma is designed to be used by dental therapists and hygienists to demonstrate their qualifications to employers, facilitating the identification of roles they are qualified for, and any additional training needed. The proforma is designed to be used by dental therapists and hygienists to demonstrate their qualifications to employers, facilitating the identification of roles they are qualified for, and any additional training needed. Employers can use this document to maintain robust processes for the use of ionising radiation, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. Continuous professional development and quality assurance are emphasised to uphold high standards in clinical practice.