vcc.ca
DHYG 2120: Radiography 1
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course introduces learners to basic principles of dental radiology, radiography, and radiation safety procedures. Learners will apply radiation safety procedures to acquire bitewing and periapical images in a simulated clinical environment.
Credits
1.5
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain introductory principles of dental radiology, radiography, and radiation safety procedures.
- Explain the basic concepts of digital radiography.
- Describe features of normal dental anatomy related to dental radiography.
- Explain projection geometry, shadow casting principles and paralleling techniques.
- Demonstrate proficiency in bitewing and periapical dental imaging techniques in a simulated clinical environment.
- Demonstrate correct mounting techniques.
- Apply radiation safety procedures in a simulated clinical environment.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is applied in alignment with the Procedures of Policy D.3.5 - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
Proof of certification to expose dental radiographs in British Columbia; and a Clinical Challenge Exam, designed to validate skills and abilities to perform in the clinical environment.
Proof of certification to expose dental radiographs in British Columbia; and a Clinical Challenge Exam, designed to validate skills and abilities to perform in the clinical environment.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 15
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 15
Total Hours: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 15
Total Hours: 30
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include active, collaborative learning; lecture; experiential learning in simulation, lab, and clinical settings; group work; discussion; and self-reflection.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
20% |
Dental Radiology Assignment |
|
Exam |
20% |
Written Final Exam |
|
Clinical Examination |
30% |
Full Mouth Radiographic Survey |
|
Clinical Examination |
30% |
Radiographic Placement Exercises |
Course topics
- Radiation biology; Radiation safety and protection and Quality Assurance; Digital radiography; Mounting and normal anatomy; Radiation characteristics and principles, and projection geometry; Shadow casting principles; Bitewing theory and practice Paralleling technique; Periapical theory and practice;
Learning resources
Course resource information will be supplied by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.