3-D Imaging Education: Creating Those “Light Bulb Moments”

New imaging modality options are changing the face of dentistry. To gain the most out of any new technology, understanding the way it works can be just as important as learning how to use it. The voluminous information garnered from different forms of radiology can improve diagnosis and treatment options. I can think of no other recent imaging modality in dentistry where this is truer than the advent of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Seeing the need for education to help others harness the technology, I was pleased when asked to co-lead educational efforts, along with Dr. Maria Mora, at the i-CAT Imaging Institute in Raleigh, NC. We have experienced first-hand that the investment into a Cone Beam imaging system does not stop with writing the check and that greater knowledge is required to interpret and manipulate the volume of data. With knowledge comes responsibility—to use imaging efficiently, and above all to provide for safe and effective patient care. Given the appropriate training, I believe that this knowledge becomes power, allowing practitioners to discover the full potential of three-dimensional information.

From teaching recent courses this year, class participants have demonstrated eagerness to understand how to use three-dimensional data to better serve their patients. From suggestions given by attendees, we’ve begun to expand our curriculum to meet and exceed the needs of dentists who want to stay ahead of the curve and better utilize their investment in this technology.

Those clinicians who have yet to implement CBCT in their practice are looking for basic information such as how cone beam imaging differs from medical CT; radiation patient absorbed dose comparisons with other imaging modalities; indications for using the technology; and the details of physically implementing a system.

Most of the dentists who attend our classes presently use Cone Beam 3-D imaging in their offices. For these dental professionals who have been using cone beam imaging for some time, Dr. Mora guides dentists in reviewing radiation biology and physics as well as oral and maxillofacial anatomy and pathology. Participants discover their scan-reading comfort level with respect to treatment planning and liability as well as understanding the importance of documenting cases. In addition, participants gain experience in 3rd party 3-D imaging software to aid in making intelligent decisions on which software may work best for their practices. Emphasis regarding size and resolution of scans for certain procedures and patient types with regard to radiation levels is also covered and how relationships with other practitioners develop when using this technology.

Since the inception of the education center, I have witnessed those “light bulb moments” when dentists realize the true impact that their new imaging system will have on their practice, their staff, and in their ability to deliver better care for their patients. Taking the time to learn about cutting-edge imaging technology not only gives the practitioner the tools to improve their practice, but also enables them to understand the responsibility incurred from scanning a patient and the importance of using an oral and maxillofacial radiologist to interpret data when appropriate. Education has become my passion because anyone can just use an imaging system, but learning to use it wisely can make all the difference.