Chief Technician, X-Ray Imaging Specialist

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Works under the direction of the Director of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology with a dual administrative report to the Clinic Manager of the Predoctoral Clinical, the Chief Technician, X-Ray Imaging Specialist performs all radiographic duties associated with acquisition, processing, submission for interpretation, and archiving of all dental imaging modalities, as requested by referring clinician and consistent with practice guidelines.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include :

• Knows and understands clinical and radiographic head and neck anatomy for the purpose of correct patient positioning during image capture.
• Understands and checks radiographic prescriptions for appropriateness based on clinical information provided. All questionable prescriptions are communicated to the in-clinic radiologist for final approval.
• Performs correctly all types of intraoral, extraoral, and advanced dental imaging, namely bitewing, periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and CBCT imaging, after training by the X-Ray Imaging Specialist Team Leader.
• Positions patients correctly and selects appropriate imaging settings to ensure best case imaging, based on the College's Standard Reference on Image Technique and Quality, and all current standard practice protocols of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology.
• Offers concise explanation of imaging procedure to patients and answers their questions on x-ray risk, safety, procedures, and equipment clearly and correctly.
• Places surgical guides and dental-related appliances correctly inside patients' mouths as needed for imaging.
• Observes patient while in the imaging area for changes in status, and identifies and corrects problems as appropriate, with all critical occurrences reported to the in-clinic radiologist.
• Images the prescribed anatomic region completely, correctly, and efficiently.
• Mounts and processes all acquired imaging in electronic format correctly and efficiently.
• Judges diagnostic quality of all acquired imaging and makes necessary corrections with consent from the in-clinic radiologist prior to submission for interpretation.
• Ensures all documentation pre- and post- imaging are complete.
• Assists students in image technique, image quality assessment, and associated documentation, as necessary to ensure patient workflow efficiency.
• Performs clerical responsibilities associated with acquisition, processing, duplicating, and archiving of patient records and radiologist reports, including but not limited to import and export of imaging into and out of the clinical management system and electronic health record, and provision of any requested imaging-related material to faculty, residents, and students of the College of Dental Medicine for academic and research purposes, with approval from the in-clinic radiologist.
• Operates and maintains x-ray equipment on a daily basis, such as checking and maintaining instrument inventory and distributing supplies.
• Maintains logbooks with x-ray equipment performance data; performs quality assurance; maintains records for and participates in quality assurance inspection.
• Conforms to all applicable HIPAA, OSHA, Infection Control, Safety, and Billing Compliance guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years of related experience or equivalent in education, training and experience or Master's degree and at least one year experience.
• Successful completion of the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), or equivalent, such as certification in limited scope radiography
• Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), or equivalent, such as a Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT)
• Dedication and willingness to do intraoral x-ray imaging

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in all types of dental x-ray imaging, including intraoral, extraoral, and CBCT
• Certification as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
• Certification as a Radiologic Technologist (RT)

Other Requirements

• Experience in teaching and training student healthcare providers

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.