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Our Commitment to Excellence in CBCT Reporting

At Oral Radiology, LLC, precision and clarity are paramount in our approach to oral radiology reporting. Rooted in a sincere dedication to our role as specialized radiologists, we understand the pivotal role each CBCT volume plays in reflecting an individual's health and well-being. Hence, we approach every examination with meticulous care and thoroughness.

Our reports are meticulously structured narratives designed to serve dental providers and guide patient care effectively. While the difference between Standard and Detailed reports lies in the depth of findings and the quantity of images, the core of our reports, particularly the Impressions and Recommendations (I&R) section, is meticulously crafted to convey all crucial information about findings requiring attention. This ensures dental providers are thoroughly informed and empowered to make decisions that best support patient outcomes. What follows is our Reporting Standards, providing instructions to our radiologists to ensure accuracy and consistency across our practice.

CBCT Reporting Standards at Oral Radiology, LLC:

  1. Case Information. Referring Doctor, Patient Information, Doctor’s Notes (Indication), Image Study Details. Every report begins with these essential details to ensure a personalized, accurate context for each case.
  2. The Body of the Report (Findings). This contains sections categorized anatomically. This will contain a description of all the findings in the volume. This is primarily where detailed and standard reports may vary. In cases where no treatment or follow-up is required, the report body will contain the differential diagnosis. For example, idiopathic osteosclerosis, laryngeal or other physiological calcifications.
    1. Area of Interest. If a specific area of interest is indicated by the doctor notes with the referral, include a description of the area here, rather than in the anatomical category that follows.
    2. Oral CavityCovers dental-related conditions and pathologies within the maxilla, mandible, or the floor of the mouth.
    3. Paranasal. Details conditions or pathologies within the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.
    4. Skull Base. Encompasses findings related to skull base foramina, canals, and other related structures.
    5. Neck. Reports on findings related to TMJs, spine, airway, and other relevant structures.
  3. Impressions and Recommendations (I&R) This section contains all essential information on findings requiring attention, along with the recommended course of action, listed by relevance.
    1. If ever suggesting biopsy or treatment, always include an impression or differential. Try to include more than one, particularly when pathology is considered.
    2. Recommended course of action – referral, biopsy, monitor, etc.
    3. For suspected periapical inflammatory lesions, always recommend correlation with vitality testing and clinical evaluation. Never state unequivocally that it is a periapical inflammatory lesion; this can’t be determined solely from radiography.
    4. Similarly, for periodontal findings, always recommend correlation with clinical periodontal evaluation. For suspected carious lesions, correlate with intraoral radiographs or clinical evaluation to rule out artifact.
    5. Monitoring. Try to be specific about recommendations for monitoring, including type and frequency of repeated imaging or follow-up. There will be a degree of subjectivity to this, so err on the side of caution.
  4. Images. The first image in every report should include a panoramic reformat (or an x-ray view in case of small FOV). Standard reports may include very few images (~3-5). Try to include an image of any particularly important finding. Try to include images of every finding listed in the I&R section for detailed reports.
  5. "Never Miss" Criteria. Our reports meticulously cover pathology or infection, dental diseases, significant anatomical variations, and arterial calcifications, ensuring no critical aspect is overlooked.
  6. Proofreading. Proofread every section of the report in order to minimize errors in all areas, paying close attention to tooth numbering, laterality, typographical errors, and dictation mistakes, ensuring the highest accuracy in our reports.
  7. Formatting and Overall Impression Overall appearance. Don’t leave large empty spaces or gaps between sections or images. Consistent font and image labeling. Each report represents a real person and should be something we can be proud of and that helps the provider improve that person’s life. Although some CBCT volumes have no relevant findings (good news for the patient!) these are few and far between.

This guide demonstrates our unwavering commitment to quality and care, affirming our dedication to elevating the standard of oral radiology reporting. At Oral Radiology, LLC, every report is a pivotal tool in enhancing patient care, ensuring reliability, and guiding the treatment and management plans for the highest standard of care.