Goodlettsville Dental Services

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Oral 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.

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.

To become an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist in the USA, one must first complete a doctorate in Dentistry and be admitted to an American Dental Association CODA accredited program that is a minimum of two 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 using all imaging modalities. 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 that national examination results in Diplomate status in the ABOMR.

In 1945 a section on dental roentgenology was approved by the American Dental Association at the urging of Drs. H. Cline Fixott, Sr. and LeRoy M. Ennis and began activities with Dr. Fixott as chairman. The annual section meetings inspired a few farsighted professionals who founded the American Academy of Oral Roentgenologists in October, 1949 at a meeting in San Francisco. The Academy was renamed the American Academy of Oral Roentgenology in 1951, renamed the American Academy of Dental Radiology in 1967 and renamed again in 1988 as the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology became the 9th specialty of Dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association in 1999. Today, the Academy has a growing membership largely of dental professionals and members of the dental radiographic industry.

The AAOMR publishes peer-reviewed scientific articles in the Radiology Section of "Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology" (Elsivier Scientific, Philadelphia), a quartery newsletter, "AAOMR Image," and develops position papers and executive statements as guidelines to the profession on the safe effective use of diagnostic imaging methods.

AAOMR Strategic Plan

Vision: The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) will be the recognized leader in oral and maxillofacial radiology (OMR), serving patients and the health professions.

Mission

o Shape and advance the scientific base in OMR by fostering research

o Improve quality of patient care

o Improve access to services

o Support existing and nurture new OMR residency programs

o Promote an optimal socio-economic environment for OMR

External Relations:

o Serve as a voice for dentistry in general and OMR in particular

o Strengthen ties with key state, federal, national, and international agencies and organizations

o Assist members with state legislative and regulatory issues, especially with documentation to support specialty recognition

Economics & Health Policy:

o Help OMR adapt to a competitive and changing health care environment

o Support efforts to improve third-party recognition and reimbursement of services

o Influence healthcare policy

o Address workforce issues for radiologists and technologists

Standards:

o Be proactive in establishing appropriate selection criteria, radiation safety, and diagnostic image quality

o Evaluate new technologies and their applications

o Develop standards and guidelines for quality practice and express these through publication of position papers

o Facilitate continuing professional development for maintenance of specialty certification.

Quality:

o Promote safety and high standards for practice

o Develop standards and guidelines for practice

o Support accreditation efforts for OMR

o Promote studies to measure the impact of standards on the quality of patient care

Membership:

o Continually re-evaluate categories of membership in the AAOMR

o Develop and implement an effective plan to retain and recruit members

o Encourage the participation of OMR residents and junior members in the AAOMR organizational structure and activities

o Refine products and services to enhance membership

Communications:

o Enhance the website of the AAOMR to facilitate effective communication

o Sustain and enhance the official Scientific Publication of the AAOMR

o Sustain and enhance the Newsletter

o Develop leadership in electronic interactions, including the Web, teleconferencing, and image transfer

Education:

o Be a leader in life–long-learning activities for the membership and the dental professions. Tailor educational activities to meet the needs of members, dentists, and allied health professionals

o Promote the AAOMR Speakers’ Bureau

o Become a leader in web-based learning

o Promote entry-level education of dental professionals in imaging technologies for diagnosis and treatment guidance.

Research and Technology:

o Recognize that research is the basis for future practice and reward research excellence. Promote awareness and recognition of the importance of research

o Monitor and assess new technologies for incorporation into OMR

o Collaborate with other groups in a strategic approach to new technologies

o Participate in standards development to facilitate electronic transfer of information and images

Finance:

o Keep the AAOMR financially sound. Ensure fiscal responsibility by prioritizing all expenditures in accordance with this plan and within the AAOMR’s resources

o Reduce reliance on member dues by developing alternate revenue sources

o Foster relationships with corporate entities with the aim of strengthening OMR

o Promote corporate participation in the AAOMR

Organizational Structure:

o Continually reassess the AAOMR’s organizational structure to ensure sufficient and effective operations

o Continually reassess organization structure to ensure efficient operations

o Manage the organization based on tenets of strategic planning