Radiography (IRMER) CPD
Operators, Practitioners, and Referrers of dental X-rays require 5 hours of verifiable CPD in Radiography and Radiation Protection every 5-year cycle.
Compliance with IR(ME)R 2017
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 mandate strict continuous training for anyone involved in exposing patients to ionising radiation. This includes:
- Principles of Justification, Optimisation, and Limitation.
- ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principles.
- Quality Assurance (QA) programmes for dental X-ray equipment.
- Roles of the Legal Person, RPA (Radiation Protection Adviser), and MPE (Medical Physics Expert).
CBCT Specific Training
If your practice invests in a Cone Beam CT scanner, standard radiography CPD is insufficient. The HPA CRCE-010 guidelines dictate Level 1 and Level 2 CBCT training. Use our CBCT ROI Calculator if you are considering the investment, but factor in the additional training costs.
Online vs Practical
Unlike Basic Life Support, Radiography CPD can often be completed entirely online, provided it covers the syllabus recommended by the GDC and the British Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology (BSDMFR).
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting Nurses: Dental nurses who process films/sensors or act as 'operators' (even if they don't press the button) require IRMER training.
- Local Rules: General CPD does not replace the requirement to read and sign the specific Local Rules for your practice. Download our Local Rules Template.
Next Steps
Return to the CPD Hub or explore CBCT Suppliers.