Accurate radiographs are essential to make a correct diagnosis, deliver positive treatment outcomes, assess long-term results and provide medico-legal protection.

This course will look at the opportunities and challenges of 2D and 3D imaging. Conventional 2D images remain the mainstay of dental treatment with film, digital sensors or phosphor plate options. Digital systems used correctly reduce radiation exposure and the need for manual processing of traditional film. This course will use two holders that operate across all 2D platforms and give you the results you need and want, including perhaps the most difficult requirement, taking an accurate and repeatable endodontic image with rubber dam in place. The objective of the 2D part of the course is to demonstrate simple clinical techniques to achieve this aim for all teeth and under all clinical situations. The 2D discussion will also include techniques and interpretation of OPG images.

3D or CBCT imaging is the most exciting development in dental radiology today. This part of the course will stress the advances in diagnosis and treatment planning that CBCT provides. Learn how to interpret CBCT images and use generic imaging software to its maximum advantage. Emphasis will be placed on recognising the difference between artifacts and pathological conditions and understanding the medical implications of 3D imaging.

Topics include

• What is the definition of a high-quality 2D image?
• 2D positioning techniques for all teeth.
• Advances in diagnosis and treatment planning with cutting-edge technologies.
• 3D imaging pros and cons.
• Interpretation of CBCT images: how to use generic imaging software to maximum advantage.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course participants will know how to:

• Successfully image any part of the mouth.
• Deal with difficult situations such as gagging.
• Correct procedural errors by applying a standard formula.
• Apply the “buccal object rule” in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
• Successfully undertake endodontic “working” films with rubber dam.
• Assess the clinical benefits of digital versus phosphor systems.
• Identify pathology and artefacts in 2D, OPG and 3D images.
• Understand the medico-legal implications of 3D imaging.
• Enhance the interpretation of 3D imaging.