CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT - REPORT OF THE AD HOC DEPARTMENT CHARACTERISTICS COMMITTEE OF THE ERICAN-ACADEMY-OF-ORAL-AND-MAXILLOFACIAL-RADIOLOGY

Oral and maxillofacial radiology is a dynamic and multifaceted discipl ine that plays a critical role in patient care, the education of gener al dentists and dental specialists, and the academic health of the den tal school. Diagnostic and treatment advances in temporomandibular joi nt disorders (TMD), implants, trauma and orthognathic surgery, and cra niofacial abnormalities depend heavily on conventional and advanced im aging techniques. Oral and maxillofacial radiology contributes to the education of pre-and post-doctoral dental students with respect to bio medical and clinical knowledge, cognitive and psychomotor skills, and the professional and ethical values necessary to properly prescribe, o btain, and interpret radiographs. The development of an active and suc cessful oral and maxillofacial radiology department, division, or sect ion requires the committment of institutional resources. This document may serve as a guide to dental schools committed to excellence in ora l and maxillofacial radiology.