I teach radiology and infection control classes to dental assisting students. Students have NO concept of infection control at the start of class, they touch their face and other surfaces with gloves on and then try to perform procedures on patients! This poses a huge concern for cross contamination. Radiology is also very important. Radiation causes permanent damage to tissues. If a student doesn't understand how radiation works they will not take seriously why it is so important to take images correctly the first time to minimize exposure to the patient. Dental assistants also need to have an understanding of radiology to help educate patients about why xrays are necessary and important....... patients try to refuse xrays all the time!