According To “Dr. Wo” Wm. Randol Womack, DDS Editorial Director, Orthotown Magazine

 
Reflections of the 4th International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging
by Wm. Randol Womack, DDS, Board Certified Orthodontist
Editorial Director, Orthotown Magazine

I've just returned from the 4th International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging. It was held in a fantastic venue in La Jolla, California, and the agenda was nothing short of outstanding.

This was my second jaunt to the International Congress and I was once again amazed at how few orthodontists attended this meeting, considering the "Controversies in the Legal Standard of Care" that exist today (which, in fact, was the title of Art Curley's presentation at the meeting). Mr. Curley is a senior trial attorney in the San Francisco-based health-care defense firm of Bradley, Curley, Asiano, Barrabee & Gale, P.C. His presentation was as entertaining as it was informative.

The list of presenters included two from the Orthotown Magazine Editorial Advisory Board: Drs. David Hatcher and John Graham. Dr. Hatcher presented an excellent method of developing a straight-forward approach to interpreting CBCT scans by offering a review of oral and maxiollofacial anatomy, focused on identifying normal maxillofacial anatomic structures, as well as anatomic variations and pathosis. Dr. Graham addressed advances in CBCT technology that provide the modern orthodontist with more accurate and effective imaging than ever before and how it may enhance any orthodontic practice.

Dr. Larry Emmott, a Phoenix dentist who is a leading authority on high tech in dentistry and one of the most entertaining speakers in dentistry, gave a tantalizing peek into what the amazing technology future might hold.

Dr. Aaron Molen stated that we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in how we diagnose and treatment plan our orthodontic patients. I like his quote, "The future is like a freight train… if you choose not to ride, it won't simply pass you by, it will run you over."

All of the presentations were of general interest even though they were targeted to other areas of dentistry. It was really a very worthwhile investment in time and CE credits.

The CBCT scan has been featured in Orthotown Magazine since its inception. The "controversies" are continuing but the fog is lifting and we are beginning to see more clearly as this technology evolves within the orthodontic profession. If you access Orthotown.com and search for "CBCT" in "Magazine" you will find a list of 37 references to CBCT in the past issues of Orthotown Magazine. It is our commitment to continue to pursue clarification of the impact of this technology on the practice of orthodontics.

In the meantime, I would encourage you to seek information, education and training in CBCT technology. There are multiple opportunities available for you to learn from the experts like Dave Hatcher, James Mah, Dale Miles, Bruce Howerton (each of whom has contributed to Orthotown Magazine) and others, including most CBCT manufacturers. In addition, I would encourage you to plan on attending the 5th International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging next summer. You don't want to get run over by the CBCT freight train
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