Career guide · Equipment, technology and organization
Digital and panoramic X-rays: what the team needs to know
Radiography is at the heart of dental diagnosis and a sought-after skill among assistants and hygienists. Here are the rules, the equipment and good practices.
What is the difference between intraoral, panoramic and 3D X-rays?
Intraoral (sensor in the mouth) shows one or a few teeth in detail; panoramic captures the whole jaw in one image (wisdom teeth, sinuses, joint); 3D tomography (CBCT) provides a volume to plan implants or complex extractions. A complete clinic has at least the first two.
Who is allowed to take X-rays?
The dentist, the dental hygienist on the dentist’s prescription (Bill 29 classifies diagnostic exams, including X-rays, among procedures requiring a prescription) and the dental assistant who has completed recognized training. Interpretation remains with the dentist.
What training does an assistant need?
Radiography is part of the DEP in dental assisting; an assistant trained on site must complete recognized training before taking images. This skill clearly increases an assistant’s value and often her pay. Ask whether the clinic funds this training.
Are the doses dangerous for staff?
No, if the rules are followed: digital greatly reduces doses compared with film, staff stay out of the beam, at a distance or behind a partition, and never hold the sensor. Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 governs installations; a dosimeter verifies exposure.
Is the patient protected?
Through justification of each image (prescription), collimation, a lead apron when indicated, sensitive sensors and correct technique (fewer retakes). A clinic that takes X-rays « routinely » without justification is not following good practice.
How is maintenance ensured?
Periodic checks and calibration by the supplier, cleaning and disinfection of sensors with disposable sleeves, image quality control. The maintenance log must be available. A new clinic has recent equipment, calibrated at installation.
Does the panoramic unit change the team’s work?
Yes: it avoids sending the patient elsewhere for wisdom teeth or implant assessment, it speeds up emergencies and gives the hygienist and dentist an immediate overview. For the assistant, it is a simple device to use after training.
And 3D X-rays (CBCT)?
They are increasingly common in clinics doing implantology: they allow precise implant planning. Their presence indicates a technologically advanced clinic, with more varied cases for the team.
Can a pregnant assistant keep taking X-rays?
Occupational exposure remains very low, but the « Safe Maternity Experience » program allows reassignment or preventive withdrawal if the physician deems it necessary. Talk to your manager early; the decision belongs to the treating physician.
How do you check the quality of the installation during a visit?
Look at the age of the equipment, the presence of sleeves and dosimeters, the location of the trigger (outside the room or behind a partition), posted instructions, and ask the date of the last maintenance. Go Dentiste clinics are equipped with recent digital and panoramic X-ray units.
Go further
- Radiation protection, infections and vaccination
- Dental assistant jobs
- Dental career guide: the 1,000 questions
- All positions at Go Dentiste
Sources and references
- ODQ — Dental hygienists’ scope of practice after Bill 29 (PDF)
- CNESST — Labour standards, pay equity, health and safety
- FP Montérégie — DEP in dental assisting (1,500 hours)
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.