Dental CBCT Levels 1 & 2 – March 2024

Cone-beam CT is an exciting development in dental and maxillofacial imaging.

However, the previous guidance on the safe use of dental x-ray equipment does not address CBCT as the radiation protection measures needed for this modality extend beyond the previous guidance.

Legal requirements

A dentist referring for CBCT is legally required by the Department of Health to have undertaken ‘Core Training in CBCT’ as outlined in the HPA-CRCE-010 report. This CBCT training is additional to that already required as part of the Continuing Education and Training in radiology and radiation protection.

In line with this report, practices owning a CBCT unit or wishing to make referrals for CBCT examinations should ensure their staff are trained in the CBCT Core Curriculum.

This unique Specialist Consultant taught course offers a three day interactive educational experience focusing on the theory behind the safe operation and referral for CBCT (Level 1) and image reporting (Level 2) of both 2D and 3D imaging, primarily for smaller volume CBCT.

Completion of this course equips the practitioner with the knowledge required to comply with their responsibilities according to IRMER (Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations).

Course description

We offer a number of options ranging from the full, combined three day course, to individual sessions. Please read the information below to help you decide, or contact our team to explore your options by email nuth.ncsa@nhs.net

Our combined three-day course builds from the first presentation. Full attendance is required to allow certification. Day 3 provides candidates with the opportunity to gain guided practical experience, and time to reflect on learning before completing the course.

• Days 1 and 2 cover Level 1 and 2A course material (this allows didactic, group work  and interactive workshop elements throughout).

• Day 3 called Level 2B covers essential material after delegates have gained practical experience and had time to reflect on learning before completing the course. Alternatively, if you have already been certified as Level 1 and 2 CBCT on other national courses you may wish to book this day to top up your CPD.

A learner / delegate-centred approach is adopted throughout, allowing delegates to understand the theory behind the safe operation and referral for CBCT (IRMER Referrer role).

An holistic approach to Image reporting (IRMER Operator Reporter role) covering 2D and 3D imaging primarily for smaller volume CBCT is offered.

Learning outcomes

The course is delivered in two sessions – initial 2 days followed by a separate final day a few weeks after the first 2 day session to allow reflection and utilisation of new skills.

At the end of this course delegates will be able to:

• Make safe CBCT referrals with a sound understanding of the Physics / Radiation dosages involved and the patient factors to consider before utilising this 3D imaging modality
• Appreciate when 2D and 3D CBCT imaging are best used and how to access guidelines in this regard
• Recapitulate knowledge of 2D dental imaging and learn the anatomical patterns associated with CBCT 3D presentations to know what ‘normal’ looks like
• Appreciate the Radiation safety (IRMER and IRR legislation) surrounding the use of CBCT
• Operate / ‘Drive‘ CBCT viewing software –  utilise MPR screens to interrogate the full FOV
• Safely analyse and construct a smaller Vol CBCT report using ‘protocols’ (utilising taught higher order thinking tools ) in a systematic fashion and know when to ask for help
• Analyse examples of concerning dental/maxillofacial disease presentations and know how best to refer on urgent cases. Recognise bone diseases and especially cancers on imaging
• Analyse relevant 2D and 3D image data and construct a recordable imaging report/assessment
• Begin to understand how image reporting errors / imaging pathway adverse events can occur and appreciate how SOPs, Bias and Human factors can influence this process.

Course lead

The course is run by Dr Neil Heath, a Consultant Dental and Maxillofacial Radiologist at Newcastle Dental Hospital.

An experienced educator in CBCT working in NHS, academic and industry sectors, Dr Heath is passionate about delivering relevant enjoyable courses, to like-minded colleagues.

Audience

• Dentists (hospital and high street – primary care and specialist), medically qualified specialists involved in imaging the maxillofacial regions.

• Dental Therapists, Dental Nurses or Practice Managers may be interested in attending day 2  which covers CBCT level 1 material.

Criteria

In order to book on this course you will need:

• GDC / GMC registration (HCPC registration if a Radiographer)
• Those who have a level 1 CBCT certification already may be excused the day 2 element although further cases are reviewed in the workshop on this day
• If you are already certified as Level 1 and 2 CBCT  on other national courses you may wish to just book on day 3 (CBCT 2B element) as a CPD top up.

Financial information

If you are employed by Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, you can use the coupon code NUTH at the checkout to make a provisional booking and you will need to arrange access to in-house development funding. Your booking will remain provisional until your request has been validated with a funding/study leave reference.

If you are not employed by the Newcastle Hospitals an online card payment is required at the point of booking.

Alternatively, if you are to be funded by your employer an invoice can be requested by using the coupon code Invoice.

Please see Coupons for further information relating to coupon codes and how to use them at checkout.