Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Enriched Learning | Enhanced Patient Care | Exceptional Experiences

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMFR) is a dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). It focuses on the interpretation of imaging studies to detect diseases and conditions in the oral and maxillofacial region. This specialty uses advanced imaging techniques such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), as well as panoramic, cephalometric, and intraoral imaging.

The Division of OMFR at the College of Dentistry is dedicated to achieving excellence in teaching, patient care, radiation safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, and consultation services.

Teaching
Enriched learning experiences include instruction in imaging techniques and interpretation of acquired images, both essential in the training of dental students, dental hygiene students, residents, dentists, and other dental professionals. Additionally, this includes providing continuing dental education courses to dental professionals.
Patient Care
Enhanced patient care experiences are achieved through the acquisition and use of CBCT, panoramic, cephalometric, and intraoral images, which are essential for identifying oral and maxillofacial conditions.
Radiation Safety
Radiation safety is maintained through the monitoring of all x-ray equipment, exposure settings and techniques. This includes offering guidance on radiation safety documentation and implementing protection protocols.
Collaboration
Working together with various divisions within the College of Dentistry --- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Periodontology, Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, and Orthodontics --- facilitates the delivery of comprehensive patient care.
Consultation
Consultation services that provide assistance with imaging techniques and interpretation are available to dental professionals both within the College of Dentistry and those in external private practices.

The Division of OMFR at the College of Dentistry promotes educational excellence by providing essential didactic courses, followed by hands-on clinical training in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The OMFR Team collaborates to deliver high-quality experiences in both student learning and patient care.

Courses
Enriched student learning occurs in the didactic courses that cover fundamental imaging concepts and interpretation skills. These courses serve as the cornerstone for the hands-on clinical training that follows. To maintain the highest standards of professionalism, students receive instruction on ethical considerations and legal responsibilities associated with imaging practices.
Clinical Training
Exceptional imaging experiences are achieved when students have multiple opportunities to apply their knowledge in the clinical setting while working with patients and collaborating with both dentists and dental hygienists. These hands-on experiences allow students to practice and develop technique and interpretation skills while building their confidence. Dentists and dental hygienists in OMFR bring real-life experiences and insights to the clinical setting and are dedicated to guiding students through their imaging experiences.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Exceptional imaging experiences are made possible with access to the latest dental imaging technology, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment used in clinical practice. Our state-of-the-art Imaging Clinic, which opened in January 2024, is designed with a focus on the future.

The nearly 3,200-square-foot facility houses 10 intraoral rooms and 3 extraoral rooms, along with an additional flexible room that can serve either purpose. All intraoral units include a rectangular position indicating device (PID) that reduces the radiation dose to the patient by 40%. The facility also features a reception area, seminar room, viewing room, shared workspaces for faculty and staff, and a dedicated space for a future OMFR residency program. The new Imaging Clinic is a high-volume clinic. During 2024, this clinic logged a record number of over 6,500 patient visits, marking a 39% increase compared to 2023.

For more information on the opening of the new facility, visit https://news.osu.edu/new-oral-and-maxillofacial-imaging-clinic-now-open-at-ohio-state/
OMFR Team
The OMFR Team works diligently to create positive experiences for both student learning and patient care. The team includes the division chair, a clinic director, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, part-time dentists, dental hygiene educators, dental assistants/imaging technicians, and an administrative assistant. Without this group of dedicated dental professionals, last year’s 6500+ patient visits would not have been possible.