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UW School of Dentistry

course-department: oralrad

DENTPC 552

Dental Curriculum Threads

Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Theory 2

Course Director: Peggy Lee
Credits: 2
Quarters/Yr of Program: Summer / 2

Course Overview

This course covers dental anomalies and pathology of bone and how they present on radiographs of the head-and-neck region. The students will learn how to describe pathology in both 2-D and 3-D images, interpret radiographs, identify what additional imaging to order, and formulate a differential diagnosis based on the characteristics of the radiographic appearance.

Learning Objectives

The student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1. Describe anatomic variations and pathology on radiographs of the head-and-neck region.
2. Identify anomalies on radiographs (including 2-D and 3-D images) of the head-and-neck region.
3. Formulate a differential diagnosis.
4. After completing all imaging analyses, create an appropriate management plan.

UWSOD Competencies: C-01, C-10, C-03, C-12

Date last updated: 2024-07-07

DENTPC 576

Dental Curriculum Threads

Clinical Oral Radiology

Course Director: Jamie Booth & Hayley Cowan
Credits: 1
Quarters/Yr of Program: Winter / 2

Course Overview

This course is the practical application of the oral radiology theory course (DENTPC 532), which was held in spring quarter of first year. Students develop clinical dental radiography skills and learn to avoid common mistakes. They practice intraoral (periapical and bitewing) and panoramic radiographic techniques and assess the radiographs.

Learning Objectives

The student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proper technique for taking intraoral radiographs and capturing an FMX of diagnostic quality.
2. Assess the image quality of intraoral and panoramic radiographs.
3. Demonstrate the proper methods of image interpretation when writing a radiographic report.
4. Identify the proper selection criteria and patient positioning techniques for panoramic image acquisition.

UWSOD Competencies: C-01, C-02, C-09, C-12, C-13, C-24, CE-05

Date last updated: 2025-01-04

DENTPC 532

Dental Curriculum Threads

Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Theory 1

Course Director: Hayley Cowan
Credits: 2
Quarters/Yr of Program: Spring / 1

Course Overview

Dental radiography uses ionizing radiation. It is essential that all dental personnel maintain knowledge of radiographic techniques and radiation safety. The course reviews current knowledge of radiation physics, biology, and protection as well as imaging principles and techniques for the most common types of dental radiography. The most common pathology encountered in dental imaging will also be discussed. The course is a didactic experience and will be conducted using lectures aided by online videos.

Learning Objectives

The student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1. Discuss the principles of radiation physics.
2. Describe the biologic effects of ionizing radiation.
3. Discuss the principles and techniques of commonly used diagnostic imaging techniques in general dental practice.
4. Interpret two- and three-dimensional dental and maxillofacial radiographs.
5. Determine which types of and how many dental and/or maxillofacial radiographs are needed on an individual basis.
6. Use digital imaging software tools.
7. Explain to patients the benefits and potential risks of the use of diagnostic ionizing radiation.

UWSOD Competencies: C-01, C-10, C-09, CE-02, CE-03, C-03, CE-06, C-12, C-13, CE-05

Date last updated: 2025-03-11