Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Introduction
The Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the correct indication, performance, interpretation, and evaluation of radiographic tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial pathologies.
The course covers everything from the physical principles of radiological imaging and radiation protection to the advanced interpretation of 3D studies, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and digital planning in oral surgery and implantology.
This is a key theoretical and practical course for diagnostic integration in surgical clinical practice and the planning of complex procedures.
Pre-course requirements
University degree in Dentistry or Medicine with a specialization in Stomatology or Maxillofacial Surgery
Basic knowledge of craniofacial anatomy and oral pathology.
Basic computer skills for using DICOM image viewing software and planning software.
Objectives
-Understand the physical and biological foundations of oral and maxillofacial radiology.
-Select the most appropriate radiological technique for each clinical situation.
-Accurately interpret conventional and volumetric radiographic images.
-Identify radiological signs of the main oral and maxillofacial pathologies.
-Apply the principles of radiation protection in clinical practice.
-Integrate radiological findings into surgical planning and advanced implantology.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Relate advanced and specialized concepts in oral surgery, implantology and oral rehabilitation.
- CP04 - Generate work synergies with professionals from other areas and disciplines by designing joint strategies for action in oral surgery and implantology patients.
- CP05 - Apply advanced surgical and rehabilitative treatments in oral implantology appropriately to any patient, respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values of a culture of peace and democratic values; using language that avoids androcentrism and stereotypes.
- HB01 - Adequately perform the anamnesis and physical examination by systems, face, neck and oral cavity to complete the clinical history, including good graphic documentation (photography and video).
- HB02 - Interpret the different radiological examinations in the field of oral surgery and implantology.
- HB03 - Perform a differential diagnosis of oral pathological lesions and treat them surgically if necessary.
- HB11 - Prepare communications and posters at different national and international conferences related to oral surgery and implantology.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- - Oral Surgery and Implantology - LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Perform advanced dissection techniques 2. Make a correct diagnosis of oral medical-surgical pathology and implantology 3. Diagnose oral cavity lesions and the appropriate diagnostic protocols 4. Identify the surgical techniques to place dental implants in different indications 5. Perform dental extractions with different degrees of complexity. 6. Plan surgery, implantology and prosthesis digitally 7. Perform different reconstructive/regenerative techniques in the oral cavity, both hard and soft tissues. 8. Present clinical cases and treatment plans in public and their argued defense
- - Complementary Specialties - LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Work in a multidisciplinary way, especially with the prosthetics, periodontics, orthodontics and endodontics departments. 2. Interpret complementary radiological examinations, especially in a CBCT computed tomography. 3. Simulate surgical and prosthetic interventions in synthetic, animal or virtual models. 4. Make a rehabilitative treatment plan and its alternatives. 5. Know the different diagnostic techniques in oral rehabilitation 6. Diagnose and surgically treat periodontal disease 7. Identify the concepts of dental clinic management 8. Describe the materials and techniques associated with endodontic surgery 9. Simulate surgical interventions in artificial, animal or digital models.
Syllabus
1. Fundamentals of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
History and evolution of dental radiology.
Physical principles of ionizing radiation.
Radiation-matter interaction.
Intraoral and extraoral radiological equipment.
2. Radiation Protection and Regulations
Radiation dose and ALARA principles.
Spanish and European regulations on radiation protection.
Quality control and equipment maintenance.
3. Conventional Radiology
Periapical, occlusal, and panoramic radiographs.
Technique, indications, and limitations.
Normal radiographic anatomy and anatomical variations.
4. Advanced Radiology (CBCT and CT)
Principles of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Indications in oral surgery, implantology, and maxillofacial pathology.
Interpretation of slices and reconstructions.
Three-dimensional planning software.
5. Radiological Diagnosis of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Cystic, tumorous, and inflammatory bone lesions.
Developmental alterations and anatomical abnormalities.
Pathology of salivary glands and maxillary sinuses.
6. Radiological Integration in Clinical Practice
Radiologic-clinical correlation.
Image-guided surgical planning.
Comprehensive clinical cases, including diagnostic software, surgical planning, and printing of surgical guides.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: presentation of theoretical content and discussion of cases.
Practical seminars: image analysis, interpretation, and diagnosis.
Hands-on practice with radiology software: use of DICOM programs and 3D planning.
Personalized tutoring: answering questions and providing guidance on projects.
Independent study and recommended readings.
Bibliography and resources
Basic Bibliography:
White, S. C., Pharoah, M. J. Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation. Elsevier, 2021.
Langlais, R. P., Miller, C. S., Gehrig, J. S. Dental Radiology: Principles and Interpretation. Elsevier, 2020.
Scarfe, W. C., Farman, A. G. Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnosis and Applications. Springer, 2018.
Supplementary Bibliography:
Friedland, B. Radiographic Imaging for the Dental Team. Elsevier, 2022.
Bianchi, J., et al. Maxillofacial Imaging. Springer, 2020.
Digital Resources:
Journals: Radiology journals accessible through the UIC Library.
Databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library.
Software: Carestream, CoDiagnostiX, BlueSkyPlan®, etc.