PDA Dental Radiography (Operator) for Dental Care Professionals SCQF level 9
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are often linked to Regulatory or National Occupational Standards. The content of this award is aligned with the core curriculum of Dental Radiography as outlined in the British Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology Core Curriculum in Dental Radiography for Dental Care Professionals.
This qualification is available through colleges and training providers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course, and will normally be available as a combination of workshops, work practice and self-directed study.
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The PDA in Dental Radiography (Operator) for Dental Care Professionals at SCQF level 9 has been developed in partnership with professionals from dentistry and NHS Education for Scotland, so it provides the relevant and appropriate level of knowledge and skills required by employers' standards in dentistry.
It will help employers meet skills gaps, and offers a route for registered dental nurses to extend their clinical duties within their professional scope of practice, as defined by their regulatory body, the General Dental Council (GDC), and contribute towards their continued professional development. The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.
This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
The target audience is registered dental nurses who are seeking to extend their clinical duties within their professional scope of practice, as defined by the General Dental Council (GDC).
Access
Access to this PDA is at the discretion of the centre. Candidates should be registered with the GDC and have the support and direct supervision from a registered dental practitioner or specialist dental radiographer or radiography manager, each of whom should have Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRRMER) responsibilities.
Specific subject expertise is required to deliver this qualification which is detailed in the Group Award Specification (Arrangements Document). To gain approval for this qualification centres should complete and submit a Qualification Approval Application Form. The Business Development Team can provide guidance in completing this form.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval
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Outcomes 1 and 2 are assessed using closed-book question papers. Outcomes 3 and 4 assess the practical skills required in producing radiographs and grade their quality using the recognised three-point quality-grading system. The individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment.
