Oral and maxillofacial radiology, also known as dental and maxillofacial radiology, is the specialty of dentistry concerned with performance and interpretation of diagnostic imaging used for examining the craniofacial, dental and adjacent structures. Oral and maxillofacial imaging includes cone beam CT, multislice CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, panoramic radiography, cephalometric imaging, intra-oral imaging in addition to special tests like sialographs. Other modalities, including optical coherence tomography are also under development for dental imaging.
Training
United States
OMFR or DMFR is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. To become an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist one must first complete a dental degree and then apply for and complete a postgraduate course of training. Training includes all aspects of radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation safety, radiologic technique, the patho-physiology of disease and interpretation of diagnostic images. The Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited programs are a minimum of two years in length. Several CODA accredited programs in OMFR require the resident to complete a graduate degree, 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 and are 3 years in length, culminating in either a master's degree or a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree. Currently, the only Australian institution offering specialist training in OMFR is The University Of Queensland. Programs are focused on clinical radiology and offer comprehensive training with registrars reporting plain film, Cone Beam CT, Multislice CT and MRI of the maxillofacial region. Fellowship can then be acquired through the Royal Australia New Zealand College of Radiologists and/or the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists in Australia tend to work in the private sector, reporting in medical radiology practices alongside medical radiologists.
