Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Dental X-Ray Technician
CIP Code: 51.0602 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled competency in dental radiography. Certified Dental X-Ray Technicians perform patient positioning, exposure selection, sensor/film placement, infection control, radiation safety, image evaluation, and documentation for intraoral and panoramic imaging per office protocols and state authorization.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model verifies cross-functional readiness across positioning, exposure selection, infection control, radiation biology & safety, image quality evaluation, and documentation—so practices can staff one certified professional across general and specialty radiographic workflows.
Job Description
A Dental X-Ray Technician performs patient preparation and positioning, selects exposure parameters, places sensors/film for periapical, bitewing, occlusal and panoramic images, applies PPE and asepsis, protects patients and staff from unnecessary radiation, evaluates images and retakes as needed, and documents in the EHR.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a dental assisting or dental radiography program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited dental practice or dental facility; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable dental radiography experience.
Local/state authorization may be required for radiographic duties. All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Physics, Biology & Protection | 20% | ~25 |
| Infection Control, PPE & Asepsis | 15% | ~19 |
| Intraoral Technique & Positioning (PA, BW, Occlusal) | 25% | ~31 |
| Extraoral & Panoramic Imaging | 15% | ~19 |
| Exposure Selection, Sensors/Film & Equipment | 10% | ~12 |
| Image Quality, Errors & Retakes; Documentation/EHR | 15% | ~19 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score. State authorization may be required to perform radiographic duties.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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