How to get your dental radiology (X-ray) certification in Texas

If you want to work as a dental assistant in Texas, one skill comes up again and again in job postings: the ability to take dental X-rays. Radiographs are part of nearly every patient visit, and an assistant who can capture them is far more useful to a busy practice. But you can't just pick up the sensor and start. Texas requires you to earn a Board-approved dental radiology certificate before you expose any X-rays on a patient. Here's what that means and how to get there.

Why X-ray certification matters

Radiographs help the dentist diagnose decay, bone loss, infection, and problems that are invisible during a routine exam. Because so much of dentistry depends on these images, the assistant who can produce clear, well-positioned X-rays becomes a key part of the team.

For your career, this matters in plain terms: offices want assistants who can take radiographs from day one. It is a core skill of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and being certified makes you more competitive when you apply for jobs. An assistant who still needs supervision for every image is simply harder for a practice to schedule around.

What Texas requires

In Texas, a dental assistant must hold a Board-approved dental radiology certificate before exposing X-rays on patients. The training behind that certificate generally covers radiology theory, radiation safety, and supervised hands-on practice so you can demonstrate the skill on real equipment, not just on paper.

This certification does not stand alone — it is part of becoming a Registered Dental Assistant with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). If you are new to the process, start with the RDA registration guide to see how radiology fits into the full picture of getting registered.

Requirements can change, and the exact details are set by the Board. Always confirm the current specifics — what courses qualify, what documentation you submit, and any timelines — on the official TSBDE website before you make decisions.

What you learn

A good radiology course is about producing safe, diagnostic images consistently. You can expect to cover:

• Radiation safety and ALARA — keeping exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable for patients, staff, and yourself.
• Equipment and exposure factors — how the X-ray unit works and the settings that affect image quality.
• Paralleling and bisecting technique — the two main methods for angling the beam and capturing accurate images.
• Sensor and film placement — positioning intraoral sensors or film to capture the right teeth and structures.
• Processing — turning the exposure into a usable digital or film image.
• Patient protection — using the lead apron and thyroid collar, and positioning patients safely and comfortably.

How it fits into your training

At Premier Dental Academy, radiology certification is built directly into the RDA program, so you are not chasing it down as a separate, disconnected course. Whether you train in person or online, the radiology coursework is part of the path to becoming a Registered Dental Assistant.

To put the knowledge into practice and build real confidence with placement and technique, see the Skills Lab, where you apply what you learn in a hands-on setting.

Common questions

Do I need it before I can work?

You need a Board-approved dental radiology certificate before you expose X-rays on patients. Many assistants begin in supporting roles and complete their radiology and RDA requirements as they train. Check current TSBDE rules for exactly when and how the certificate must be in place.

Does it expire or need renewing?

Your status as a Registered Dental Assistant carries renewal obligations set by the Board, which can include continuing education. Because these rules are updated periodically, verify the current renewal requirements on the official TSBDE website rather than relying on older information.

Can I do the coursework online?

The instructional portion of radiology training can often be completed online, but skills like sensor placement and technique need supervised, hands-on practice. PDA offers both in-person and online pathways so you can learn the theory flexibly while still getting the practical experience the certificate requires.