University of Connecticut

Advanced Education Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

The Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology residency program offers a three-year, full-time clinical program that commences in the beginning of July each year and leads to a Certificate of Advanced Education in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Students may enroll in an optional concurrent program leading to a Master of Dental Science degree or an optional interdepartmental program leading to a Certificate of Advanced Education in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences (five years plus). Strong clinical and research-based faculty members make this a unique program designed to prepare residents for academic, hospital, or private practice careers.

Certificate Program

The clinical certificate program prepares residents for OMFR private practice, hospital or academic careers in teaching and patient care. Residents 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.

Academic and clinical studies include radiation physics, radiation biology, radiation health physics, head and neck anatomy, pathology, imaging sciences, interpretation of conventional, contrast enhanced, and digital images, ConeBeam CT, Medical CT, MRI and other imaging modalities. Residents take clinical rotations in medical diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine with an optional rotation in radiation oncology. Residents gain substantial experience teaching in clinical and seminar settings as well as in the classroom.

Residents are eligible to challenge the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Certification Examination upon completion of this program.

Program Strengths

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

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

The clinical imaging facility presently includes digital imaging equipment, panoramic, cephalometric, and conventional intraoral x-ray equipment, and small and small-large volume ConeBeam CT instruments. The OMFR clinic is a digital imaging facility linked to an electronic patient record. Further advanced imaging experience is attained through Diagnostic Radiology rotations in the John Dempsey Hospital Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics.