DANB NELDA study plan
DANB NELDA · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Radiation Health and Safety
Define radiation physics terms (dose, exposure, absorbed dose, ALARA) in your own words without notes
List the three radiation exposure types and identify which is the primary concern in dental radiography
Explain the inverse square law and calculate how exposure changes when distance doubles
Identify the components of the dental x-ray tube and state the function of each
Your checkpoint
One-page handwritten glossary of 20 radiation physics terms with a worked inverse square law example
Radiation Health and Safety
Compare paralleling and bisecting angle techniques and state when each is indicated
Describe how kVp, mA, and exposure time each affect the resultant image
Explain the purpose of collimation, filtration, and lead aprons and the standard specifications for each
Sequence the steps of retaking an image after a retake is indicated
Your checkpoint
Completed table matching 8 exposure variables to their effect on density, contrast, and patient dose
Radiation Health and Safety
Differentiate somatic and genetic effects of radiation and classify 5 examples
State the maximum permissible dose for occupationally exposed workers and the rationale behind it
Describe proper film/phosphor plate handling and processing to prevent retakes
Explain image receptor selection and the dose differences between digital and film
Your checkpoint
Scored self-quiz on radiation safety (target 80% or higher) with missed items rewritten as corrected statements
Infection Control
Define the chain of infection and place 6 dental-specific examples at the correct link
Differentiate disinfection, sterilization, and sanitization and match each to the correct category of item
Describe the rationale and steps for hand hygiene before and after glove use
List the required personal protective equipment for routine chairside procedures
Your checkpoint
Chain-of-infection diagram with dental examples and an intervention noted at every link
Infection Control
Sequence the steps for sterilizing and monitoring an autoclave load, including biological and chemical indicators
Compare immersion, spray-wipe, and wipe-discard methods for surface disinfection
Explain how to handle and dispose of sharps and contaminated waste per standard precautions
Describe the procedure for managing a needlestick or splash exposure
Your checkpoint
Written step-by-step sterilization and spore-testing protocol plus a completed exposure-incident action checklist
Infection Control & General Chairside Assisting
Demonstrate (or write out) correct donning and doffing of PPE in sequence
Assemble a complete operatory setup and breakdown routine from memory
Identify the instruments in a basic examination tray and state their uses
Describe four-handed transfer technique and the zones of the operatory
Your checkpoint
Timed operatory setup/breakdown checklist performed twice with all critical steps correctly ordered
General Chairside Assisting
Explain the purpose and placement of common restorative materials and armamentarium
Describe suction tip, air-water syringe, and isolation techniques during a procedure
Outline how to take and record vital signs and medical history findings
Identify emergency situations and the assistant's role in each
Your checkpoint
Annotated instrument and materials identification sheet covering at least 25 items with uses
Radiation Health and Safety & Infection Control & General Chairside Assisting
Complete a timed full-length practice exam under test conditions
Categorize every missed item by domain and identify the two weakest subtopics
Re-review high-yield facts for all three domains using your own notes only
Confirm exam-day logistics, permitted items, and identification requirements
Your checkpoint
Practice exam score of 80% or higher with a written remediation list of weak subtopics and review actions
Milestones
Week 2: Can state the inverse square law, ALARA principle, and standard collimation and filtration specs from memory
Week 4: Scores 80% or higher on a radiation safety self-quiz and correctly maps 6 dental examples onto the chain of infection
Week 6: Performs operatory setup and breakdown with all critical steps in correct order and no cross-contamination errors
Week 8: Achieves 80% or higher on a timed full-length practice exam across all three domains