Advanced Education

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

The Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology offers clinical training in oral and maxillofacial radiology through a 24-month clinical certificate program. This program may be taken either alone or combined with programs leading to a graduate degree. Strong clinical and research based faculty members make this a unique program designed to prepare residents for academic, hospital or private practice careers in the newest ADA-recognized specialty.

Objectives

The certificate program prepares students for OMFR private practice, hospital or academic careers in teaching and patient care, with an introduction to research. Students are expected to develop the clinical and academic skills needed to function effectively in private practice, a hospital, or an educational institution, and to use complex imaging systems in the diagnosis, study, and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases and conditions. Students are educated and eligible to challenge the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Certification Examination upon completion of this program. The combined certificate/degree programs are intended for those who wish to pursue careers as teacher-researchers. These programs emphasize scientific methodology and development of skills for the conduct of collaborative or independent clinical or laboratory research, manuscript writing, and grant preparation.

Program Strengths

The strong and diverse faculty is known for its significant contributions to the imaging sciences, radiation safety, and understanding of cancer and radiation biology. Active research programs are underway in both clinical and laboratory settings.

Flexibility in program structure allows students to tailor their training toward personal career goals.

The combined programs (M.Dent.Sc. and Ph.D.) emphasize added research experience in conjunction with the clinical program.

The clinical imaging facility presently includes digital imaging equipment; a multidirectional tomographic instrument; and panoramic, cephalometric, and conventional intraoral x-ray equipment. The entire OMFR clinic will be converted to a CCD/PSP imaging facility during the coming year. Further advanced imaging experience is attained through Diagnostic Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Oncology rotations in the John Dempsey Hospital Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics. A ConeBeam Volumetric Tomographic (CBVT) instrument is expected to be operating later in the Fall, 2007.

Clinical Program

The 24-month certificate program is based in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Division of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Academic and clinical studies include radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation safety and hygiene, head and neck anatomy, pathology, imaging sciences, interpretation of conventional, contrast enhanced, and digital images, multidirectional tomography, CBVT, CT, MRI and other imaging modalities. The students take clinical rotations in medical diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. The residents gain substantial experience teaching in clinical and seminar settings as well as in the classroom. Ample opportunity and encouragement are given for clinical or laboratory research projects.

Combined Programs in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

The Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology provides clinical training leading to a certificate of specialty training. This program may be taken in combination with academic programs leading to a M.Dent.Sc. or Ph.D. degree. The combined programs usually last three years (M.Dent.Sc.) or five years (Ph.D.), depending on the research background of the candidate. The objectives of the combined programs are to develop clinical competence in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology combined with the research expertise to enable the graduate to pursue an academic career involving teaching and independent or collaborative research. Didactic, research, and clinical components develop simultaneously throughout the program, although different components are emphasized at different times. The general program is outlined below.

Didactic Core Curriculum

1. Radiologic sciences, including: radiation physics, radiation biology, and health physics; and basic sciences, including: head and neck anatomy, biostatistics, advanced oral pathology, and growth and development are required for the M.Dent.Sc. degree.

2. The above curriculum plus required and elective basic science courses, including biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology are required for the Ph.D. degree.

3. Both the M.Dent.Sc. and Ph.D. degree programs require the completion of a thesis performed under the guidance of a major advisor and advisory committee selected during the first one to two years of the program. The clinical certificate is granted only after the M.Dent.Sc. or Ph.D. thesis has been accepted by the advisory committee.

Clinical Training

Clinical training occurs throughout the program, but is emphasized after the didactic core curriculum is completed. Instructional content includes imaging physics and techniques, image interpretation, radiation risk, radiation health physics, and quality assurance. Rotations are taken in medical radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology, multiplanar anatomy and CBVT image acquisition, processing and volume interpretation will comprise a significant portion of the didactic curriculum and clinical practicum. Substantial predoctoral didactic and clinical teaching experiences are also an important parts of the clinical training.

Fees and Support

The clinic usage fee for the Clinical Certificate Program is $8,500 per annum. For students in a combined program leading to a Clinical Certificate and a M.Dent.Sc. or Ph.D. degree, this clinic usage fee is waived. Graduate School tuition and fees are the responsibility of the trainee. Residents in the OMFR programs receive support during the two years of their clinical training; a stipend of $13,000 per annum.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology programs include the following:

• Completed application form (PDF).
• $75 application fee payable to the University of Connecticut Health Center.
• If applicable, $75 application fee payable to the University of Connecticut Graduate School.
• Original or official copy of transcripts from all undergraduate and professional schools.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• A TOEFL score in excess of 550 for paper-based exam or 215 for computer-based exam for all graduates from non-English speaking countries.
• Original or official copy of certificate of Class Standing.
• Original or official copy of dental diploma.