Utah Dental Association (UDA) Convention
Last week, I attended the Utah Dental Association Convention, spending time with CBCT vendors and connecting with the dental community. The conversations underscored a growing reality: the need for oral radiologists is becoming impossible to ignore. As imaging technology advances, its integration into practice is highlighting where specialists can step in.
CBCT Interpretation Liability
Before the convention, I read a thoughtful blog post by another oral radiologist on CBCT liability. I was skeptical—until I overheard vendors at the event claiming dentists aren’t responsible for CBCT data beyond the teeth. That’s a misconception worth correcting. As healthcare providers, dentists are accountable for the entire scan volume, not just their usual focus. Even if something falls outside our expertise, we’re expected to spot abnormalities across the field of view and refer when needed. This isn’t news to most in the field—it’s a well-established standard.
Oral Radiology Services: Need vs. Demand
The gap between the need for oral radiology services and the demand for them is striking. Misinformation plays a role—take the liability myth above—but awareness is the bigger issue. Historically, dentists haven’t turned to radiologists for support, often because they’re unsure how to start or don’t know one to call. At oralradiologists.com, we’re building a team to bridge that divide, offering expertise and education to make oral radiology a practical resource for the dental community. It’s about meeting a real need, even if the demand is still catching up.