This Course is for Current GPR Residents at the University of Alberta, School of Dentistry
The CBCT course is available online via our eClass, and is in a self-paced, self-study format (no in-person attendance required). Following completion of the online eClass, this course culminates with a live, synchronous online session for participant Case Presentations (dates and times TBA closer to the session).
Course Outline
With the introduction of Cone Beam CT (CBCT) in dentistry is the responsibility for adequate training and education on its utilization to both maximize its diagnostic and therapeutic potential while considering the risk benefit of ionizing radiation to patients. This course is aimed at preparing attendees for CBCT utilization and/or ownership. It will provide fundamentals of diagnostic imaging as well as clinical guidelines. A workshop component allows dentists to obtain “hands on” training with the software and become competent in common applications such as measurement of bone height and width for implant planning, examination of the temporomandibular joints and visualization of impacted teeth. The course culminates with a multiple choice examination.
1. FUNDAMENTALS OF IMAGING, RADIATION DOSIMETRY, CLINICAL GUIDELINE
Topics include radiologic physics, interaction of x-rays and biologic matter, evolution of dental imaging, measures of specificity and sensitivity, radiation dosimetry, risk benefit, fundamentals of CBCT, differences between devices, device settings, operational parameters, software for visualization, craniofacial anatomy, clinical applications and strategies for imaging and radiologic interpretation and reporting.
2. WORKSHOP INVOLVING IMAGE ACQUISITION AND INTERPRETATION
Selected cases, such as implant planning, temporomandibular joint examination, airway analysis, and impacted teeth will be provided to demonstrate application of the above fundamentals with emphasis on visualization strategies and radiologic interpretation. Course attendees will be provided sample cases to demonstrate their understanding and proficiency. The image results and radiologic interpretation will be graded to document competency. Participants will be required to carry a fully charged laptop.
3. EXAMINATION
Following the course and workshop, a multiple choice examination is administered. A score of 80% or higher will be needed to satisfactorily complete the certification.
4. EDUCATIONAL GOALS
At the conclusion of this course attendees will: Understand the basic fundamentals of cone-beam CT technology, principles of operation, need for multi-dimensional imaging and comparisons to conventional imaging devices; Understand the effect of ionizing radiation on biologic matter, radiation dosimetry, radiation hygiene and strategies to reduce effective absorbed dose to the patient; Become familiar with radiographic craniofacial anatomy and variations; Understand clinical indications for CBCT and be able to prescribe appropriate operational parameters for imaging; Be able to utilize computer software to visualize CBCT images and select appropriate methods of visualization; Be able to provide a basic interpretation and report of CBCT images; Be prepared for installation.
24 CE