The science of oral and maxillofacial radiology is based on principles of physics, chemistry and biology. Understanding the function and applications of diagnostic imaging modalities used in dentistry and other health care professions is fundamental to the specialty. The primary goals of our Section are excellence in education of dental students, delivery of radiographic services, and research.

Teaching Programs

Predoctoral
The teaching mission of the Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is to educate dental students about the principles and applications of ionizing radiation in the diagnosis of oral-facial disease. This includes ensuring that the students have an appreciation for radiation physics, the biologic hazards attendant to the use of ionizing radiation, as well as the use of a systematic radiographic approach to the identification of normal anatomy and pathologic conditions.

• Radiology Clinical Requirements

Postdoctoral
We offer a course in advanced radiographic techniques and interpretation for students in other advanced training programs.

Research Activities

The research programs in the Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology range from basic bone biology to development of screening methods for osteoporosis. The bone biology program, under the direction of Sotirios Tetradis, investigates the effects of growth factors, hormones and cytokines on the function of bone cells. The development of screening methods for osteoporosis, under the direction of Stuart White, is evaluating the efficacy of clinical and radiographic predictors to identify individuals who will subsequently develop an osteoporotic fracture.

Patient Care

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology sees over 5,000 patients annually. Our services range from conventional intraoral and panoramic radiography to skull imaging and TMJ tomography. We are equipped for conventional film and digital imaging. Our referral base is dental patients, individuals from the hospital and individuals referred from the community. Also we are active in consulting on radiographs made in dental radiographic laboratories or other facilities in the community. Call Lisa Yi at (310) 825-5634 for an appointment.