Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology:
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology is recognised as a dental specialty by the American Dental Association.
- To become an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, one must complete a dental degree and a postgraduate course of training.
- Training includes radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation safety, radiologic technique, patho-physiology of disease, and interpretation of diagnostic images.
- Accredited programs in the United States, Canada, and Australia are a minimum of two years in length.
- Some programs require the completion of a masters degree, while others offer the option of pursuing a concurrent PhD or masters degree.
- Programs in the United Kingdom are four years in length.
- Training in Australia focuses on clinical radiology and includes reporting of various imaging techniques.
United States:
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology is recognised as a dental specialty in the United States.
- Training in the United States includes comprehensive education in radiation physics, biology, safety, technique, and interpretation.
- Accredited programs in the United States are a minimum of two years in length.
- Successful completion of training allows the oral and maxillofacial radiologist to challenge the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology examination.
Australia:
- Australian programs in oral maxillofacial radiology are accredited by the Australian Dental Council.
- Programs in Australia are three years in length and culminate in either a masters degree or a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree.
- The University of Queensland is currently the only institution offering specialist training in oral maxillofacial radiology in Australia.
- Training in Australia focuses on clinical radiology and includes reporting of various imaging techniques.
- Fellowship can be acquired through the Royal Australia New Zealand College of Radiologists and/or the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Canada:
- Canadian programs in oral maxillofacial radiology are accredited by the Canadian Dental Association.
- Programs in Canada are a minimum of two years in length and usually result in a Master of Science degree.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the Fellowship exams with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
- Canadian training programs provide comprehensive education in oral maxillofacial radiology.
- Successful completion of training allows graduates to become certified oral and maxillofacial radiologists in Canada.
United Kingdom:
- Programs in the United Kingdom for oral maxillofacial radiology are four years in length.
- Training in the UK culminates in a Certificate in Completion of Specialty Training and often a Master of Science degree.
- Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Diploma of Dental Radiology from the Royal College of Radiologists.
- Training in the UK provides a comprehensive education in oral maxillofacial radiology.
- Successful completion of training allows graduates to practice as certified oral and maxillofacial radiologists in the UK.
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 computerised tomography, multislice computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, panoramic radiography, cephalometric imaging, intra-oral imaging (e.g. bitewing, peri-apical and occlusal radiographs) in addition to special tests like sialographs. Other modalities, including optical coherence tomography are also under development for dental imaging.
