New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 16 - OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Chapter 5 - DENTISTRY (DENTISTS, DENTAL HYGIENISTS, ETC.)
Part 33 - DENTAL ASSISTANTS, REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION
Section 16.5.33.9 - EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY

(1) study by independent preparation or in a training course on radiation health and safety within the past 36 months; and

(2) have assisted with or observed five cases of full mouth intra oral radiographic series or five extra oral radiographs if applying for a limited certificate.

(1) Pass the board or DANB written examination on radiation health and safety.

(2) After passing the board or DANB written exam must apply to the board for a training permit which allows the dental assistant to perfect radiography technique. The permit is valid for six months after passing the written exam.

(3) Pass the technique test demonstrating proficiency in the exposure of a full-mouth intra oral radiographic series or panoramic film as established by the board within six months of passing the written exam.

(4) If an applicant chooses to provide only a panoramic film the certificate holder is limited to taking only extra oral films.

(5) The technique test will be taken on a phantom or human patient. The applicant shall expose a full mouth intra oral radiographic series of radiographs or a panoramic film, develop, mount, and label the films. The exam must be done independently and submitted to the board office with an affidavit signed by the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant certified in radiography attesting to the independent exam. The radiographs must be of diagnostic quality and will be graded by at least two board or committee members and serve as the technique test required for certification.

(6) Pass the take home jurisprudence examination.

(7) When extenuating circumstances exist as defined in 16.5.1.7 NMAC, and the dental assistant cannot submit to the board exposed radiographs, the dental assistant my request an extension of time. The request must be put in writing and submitted to the board office prior to the deadline.

(1) A dental hygiene student enrolled in an accredited school of dental hygiene who having passed a curriculum in dental radiography, may be granted a certificate to expose radiographs without an examination.

(2) A dental assistant certified to perform dental radiography in another state with requirements not less stringent than those in New Mexico may be certified based on credentials.