Effectiveness of Online Interactive Education in Dental Radiology

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an interactive education approach in oral and maxillofacial radiology for dentists, utilizing the online interactive educational program Mentimeter.

METHOD

Seven continuing education sessions for dentists in oral and maxillofacial radiology were conducted employing Mentimeter. Following these sessions, surveys gauged participants' responses to the learning method and its effectiveness. The questionnaire comprised 20 questions categorized into convenience, active learning, academic achievement, time management, and lecture quality.

RESULT

Among about 300 participants, 222 responded to the survey, with 74 (33.3%) having prior experience in similar education. Across categories of active learning, academic achievement, and lecture quality, participants consistently rated the method with an average score exceeding 4 out of 5, indicating a highly positive response. Statistically significant gender differences were observed in 9 out of 20 questions, with female respondents providing more positive evaluations than males. Respondents without prior similar education reported enhanced focus and understanding compared to those with experience. No statistically significant differences were observed in other survey questions.

CONCLUSION

In the realm of continuing education in oral and maxillofacial radiology for dentists, the interactive educational program Mentimeter emerges as an effective tool, fostering positive academic achievements through active learning.

Developmental and Acquired Abnormalities of the Teeth

This review aims to present a detailed analysis of the most common developmental and acquired dental abnormalities, including caries, resorptive lesions, and congenital anomalies of teeth number, size, form, and structure. This review highlights how diagnostic imaging can aid in the accurate identification and management of these conditions.

Osteopathia striata in the mandible with cranial sclerosis: a case report and review of the literature

Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OS-CS) is a bone dysplasia characterized by a linear striated pattern of sclerosis, especially in the long bones, and cranial sclerosis. It has variable clinical findings but distinctive radiological findings. Multiple oral and dental findings have been associated with this disease and can be seen during dental and/or medical imaging of the head and neck. Dentists and clinicians must be familiar with these signs to differentiate them from pathosis or erroneous radiographs. In the following case, we present a patient with OS-CS that presented at The University of Florida College of Dentistry with multiple craniofacial manifestations of this syndrome that were seen on a panoramic radiograph, which is one of the most commonly requested radiographs by dentists.

Nature and clinical significance of incidental findings in maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review was conducted to assess the types, potential clinical significance, and treatment implications of incidental findings (IFs) in CBCT diagnostic imaging of the maxillofacial region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors searched several electronic databases and grey literature without time restriction for studies on the IFs in maxillofacial CBCT. Studies that classified the IFs based on their potential clinical significance were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated by the STROBE criteria.

RESULTS

The online searches of the electronic databases yielded 1323 records. Five articles were included in the final qualitative analysis. The methodological quality ranged from low to moderate risk of bias. Percentages of IFs with high (requiring intervention/referral), moderate (requiring monitoring), and low clinical significance ranged from 0.3 to 31.4%, 15.6 to 28.9%, and 43.46 to 71.1%, respectively. There was an inconsistency between the studies in the clinical significance of 58.8% of the IFs identified.

CONCLUSION

Most IFs in maxillofacial CBCT are either normal variants or findings that do not require referral or treatment. There was no clear consensus on the recommended management of most common IFs. The lack of consensus on clinical significance emphasizes the importance of collaboration between medical and dental specialties to establish professional guidelines for the management of commonly encountered IFs in CBCT.

Retropharyngeal internal carotid artery: a review of three cases

INTRODUCTION

The internal carotid artery (ICA) can take multiple pathways as it extends from the carotid bifurcation to the skull base. An aberration of its normal pathway may place the ICA in a retropharyngeal position in close proximity to the posterior pharyngeal wall. Radiographic classification is based on its proximity to the pharynx and/or pathway. We present a series of three cases of retropharyngeal ICAs, our goal is to report and classify these variations.

CASE PRESENTATION

CASE 1: Retropharyngeal right ICA. Minimum distance to the pharyngeal wall was ~ 4.9 mm (high risk of vascular injury) with a tortuous pathway. CASE 2: Bilateral retropharyngeal ICA. ICAs were in contact with the posterior pharyngeal wall (very high risk of vascular injury). The left has a kinking pathway, the right tortuous. CASE 3: Bilateral retropharyngeal ICA. Minimum distances of the right and left ICAs to the posterior pharyngeal wall were ~ 3.5 mm and ~ 3.3 mm, respectively (high risk of vascular injury). The right has a kinking pathway, the left tortuous.

DISCUSSION

Closeness of the vessel to the retropharyngeal wall increases the risk of surgical and non-surgical complications. Noteworthy is that the position of the artery is not constant and can change in position over periods of time.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the anatomy and variations of the ICA is important for oral and maxillofacial radiologists and surgeons to enable clinicians to take necessary precautions to decrease complications if performing any procedure in the region.

Gorham-Stout disease of the mandible: case report and review of literature of a rare type of osteolysis

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare form of osteolysis, the aetiology and pathogenesis of which remains controversial to this date. Although more than 200 cases of GSD have been reported so far, this disease continues to go undiagnosed in the initial stages owing to its varied clinical presentations and rarity. Through this case report of GSD in a 3-year-old boy, we discuss the slow progression of the disease over a period of 13 years. The literature review is also done with an emphasis on the role of an oral and maxillofacial radiologist in understanding the disease at its incipient stage.

Ameloblastoma incidentally detected in cone-beam computed tomography sialography: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

Cone-beam computerized tomographic (CBCT) imaging is increasingly used in the maxillofacial region for various purposes. The volumetric dataset created by means of CBCT increases the possibility of detecting incidental findings.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In this case report, the authors describe an otherwise healthy 45-year-old man who was referred from the Sjogren's Syndrome Center in Jerusalem, Israel, for bilateral parotid CBCT sialographic imaging owing to xerostomia lasting for 4 months. CBCT sialographic imaging using iodine contrast material showed normal glandular structure and activity according to the postcannulation panoramic imaging. CBCT sialographic imaging routine volume interpretation revealed a lesion in the mandibular area causing destruction and perforation of the cortical plates, partial disappearance of adjacent lamina dura, and resorption of adjacent teeth, suggesting an aggressive benign tumor. Histopathologic examination confirmed mural cystic ameloblastoma, which was resected with preservation of the mental nerve and the lower mandibular border. The patient received bone graft and implants, with regular follow-ups and no recurrence after 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This case strengthens the need for thorough examination of the whole CBCT imaging volume within and outside the region of interest to detect incidental findings with clinical importance.

[Standardized training system for oral and maxillofacial radiology specialist in the United States]

Oral and maxillofacial radiology (OMR) in the United States is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). It has a nearly 100-year history of development and has also established a complete set of specialist training system. Staffing, base facilities, financial status, timing of training courses, contents, plans, and goals to be achieved are all clearly defined. All training centers need to undergo regular assessments every seven years with the ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). After graduation, the specialist graduates can be engaged in the clinical teaching and scientific research of radiological diagnosis in universities or general hospitals. They also have the option to open their own business by setting up imaging diagnostic centers or being specialized in tele-radiology to provide imaging diagnosis or consultation report to clinicians in other disciplines, or even assisting in the development of treatment planning for dental implants and orthodontic procedures. Of course, stomatology and OMR education systems are different in China and the United States due to different national conditions. Although the experience in the United States cannot be completely copied, many concepts, standards and goals of OMR specialty training there have been practiced and improved for a long period of time and are worth learning by the Chinese OMR counterparts or relevant agencies.

Current status of oral and maxillofacial radiology in West Africa

BACKGROUND

Oral and maxillofacial radiology became the ninth dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1999. This came about following the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 and, 14 days later, the application of X-rays to making dental radiographs by Otto Walkhoff. The purpose of this narrative study was to review the evolution of oral and maxillofacial radiology as a dental specialty in the USA and its recognition as a program of training by the West African College of Surgeons.

METHODS

This study was conceptualized as a narrative review of the literature focusing on the history and development of oral and maxillofacial radiology in the USA. It builds a synthesis that describes the recognition of oral and maxillofacial radiology as a specialty of dentistry in West Africa, UK, Japan, and Australia.

RESULTS

The main finding was that oral and maxillofacial radiology became the ninth specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, ADA, in October 13, 1999. On March 20, 2014, the West African College of Surgeons recognized this specialty and granted accreditation for postgraduate training. In the UK, Japan, and Australia, the postgraduate education in oral and maxillofacial radiology has two patterns, namely professional training and academic training.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary goal of the postgraduate training curriculum is to train radiologists who are competent to deliver care to patients in any clinical setting, including a dental school, hospital radiology practice, or private practice.