Oral and maxillofacial radiology
 | It has been suggested that Dental radiography be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2013. |
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology AKA (Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology) is that specialty of Dentistry concerned with performance and interpretation of diagnostic imaging used for examining the craniofacial, dental and adjacent structures.[1] OMFR or DMFR is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Oral and maxillofacial imaging includes, but is not limited to, cone beam CT, multislice CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound scan, dental panoramic radiology, cephalometric imaging, intra-oral imaging (e.g. Bitewing, peri-apical and occlusal radiographs) in addition to special tests like sialographs. Visible light, optical coherence tomography and tera ray imaging are examples of additional methods in use or under development. Image guidance includes Haptic and Robotic devices.
Training
To become an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist (OMFR) one must first complete a dental degree and then apply for and complete a postgraduate course of training (usually between 2–4 years in length). Training includes all aspects of radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation safety, radiologic technique, the patho-physiology of disease and interpretation of diagnostic images. Training includes hospital rotations in Neuroradiology or Head & Neck Radiology Departments using all imaging modalities.
USA
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited programs are a minimum of two years in length. Several CODA accredited programs in OMFR require the resident to complete a graduate degree (MS), whereas others allow the option of pursuing a concurrent PhD or MS degree. Following successful completion of this training the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist becomes Board eligible to challenge the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology examination. Successful completion of board certification results in Diplomat status in the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Australia
Australian programs are accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and are 3 years in length and culminate with either a master's degree (MDS or MPhil) or a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree (DClinDent). Fellowship (FRANZCR) can then be acquired through the Royal Australia New Zealand College of Radiologists and/or the (FRACDS) Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Canada
Canadian programs are accredited by the (CDAC) and are a minimum of two years in length and usually culminate with a Master of Science (MSc) degree. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Fellowship exams with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD (C)).
UK
Programs in the United Kingdom are 4 years in length and culminate in a Certificate in Completion of Specialty Training (CCST) and often a Master of Science degree (MSc). Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Diploma of Dental Radiology from the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR DDR).
External links
- American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- OMF Radiology Blog
- International Association of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology
- Interesting Radiology Videos
- An International Radiology Community for Education, Research and Clinical Practice
- Traps and limitations of the x-ray panoramic
See also
- Dental radiography
- Allan G. Farman – Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist and Professor
- Vijay P. Parashar – Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist and Associate Professor