Taking dental x-rays can be one of the most challenging parts of a dental assistant’s day, especially when patients are anxious, uncomfortable, or difficult to image. Small technique mistakes, rushed positioning, or missed opportunities to build trust can turn a routine task into a frustrating experience for both the assistant and the patient.
In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry spoke with dental radiography educator Janet Simpson to explore how dental assistants can take better dental x-rays every time. Simpson shares practical insights based on decades of clinical and teaching experience, explaining how proper positioning, understanding x-ray beam behavior, and adjusting the technique can dramatically improve image quality.
The conversation also highlights the importance of patient comfort, empathy, and communication, showing how trust and compassion play a critical role in successful radiographs. From correcting common imaging errors to creating a calmer experience for nervous patients, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how mastering dental x-rays goes beyond equipment and technique and starts with the assistant behind the sensor.
Connect with Simpson’s YouTube Channel. Check out the Sensorskinz website and Dental Fundamentals CE. Use coupon code "KEVIN" for Simpson's "How to Take Better Dental X-Rays" course.
