Dento-Maxillofacial radiology (DMFR) is a unique field that combines aspects of basic medicine with clinical dentistry. It represents the intersection of all disciplines of surgery and rehabilitation in clinical dentistry. In most fields of dentistry, X-ray diagnostic imaging is routinely used as a basic diagnostic tool. DMFR can offer truly interdisciplinary courses that can draw synergies with various fields of clinical dentistry and basic medicine. Our proposed three courses aim to provide a comprehensive education that will enable participants to recognize synergies between basic science and clinical dentistry and to apply their newly acquired competencies to multiple clinical applications and procedures.
MOOC 1 covers the basic principles of the usage and interpretation of radiographic imaging modalities in two and three dimensions for diagnostic imaging of the dento-maxillofacial region, covering the major disciplines in dental medicine. Current guidelines/consensus, limitations, and potential future developments in DMFR for extra- and intraoral imaging modalities will be presented and critically discussed, including issues related to radiation dose protection. MOOC 2 covers the principles of use and interpretation of advanced imaging modalities across the major disciplines in dental medicine. It presents and critically discusses current guidelines, limitations, and future potential in DMFR for CBCT imaging, including recent approaches to radiation protection. MOOC 3 covers the anatomy and pathology found in DMFR, described in both two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D). Another important aspect of this course is the art and science of thorough reporting of 2D and 3D data sets, from describing pathological findings to providing clinical recommendations.
All three courses, taught by world-renowned radiologists and experts in their respective dental fields, are designed not only to improve foundational knowledge but also to promote higher-order thinking skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving for experienced practitioners and graduate students in various fields of dental medicine, regardless of their proficiency in Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging.
