Dental Imaging
SIG_DENTAL_IMAGING Aim
The EFOMP hereby announces a new Special Interest Group (SIG) entitled “Dental Imaging”. The SIG will operate under the Scientific Committe and is established as a permanent structure of EFOMP. The SIG has been approved during the EFOMP Spring Officers meeting in Helsinki in May 2022 and presented to Council in Dublin in August 2022.
The rationale of the SIG: The high frequency of dental imaging, and the recent surge in the use of Cone Beam CT, warrants an active role of MPs in this field. In particular, private practitioners tend to work more independently, and can benefit the most from an increased and more dedicated involvement of Medical Physicists. Practices between European countries vary considerably e.g. legislation, recognition of oral radiology specialty. There is a need to evaluate these differences and harmonize the current practices.
The expected outcome:
- Revise and specify the Medical Physicist's role in dentistry and evaluate current practice of QA/QC/DRLs in CBCT and shielding in dentistry.
- Discuss and, where relevant, prepare statements regarding the uptake of new technologies e.g. AI tools, dental MRI.
- Evaluate Medical Physics involvement in dental undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.
The group is open to anyone with an interest in medical physics-related topics within dental imaging e.g. radioprotection, quality assurance / quality control, regulatory aspects, etc, and will have members representing all stakeholders (including clinicians, regulators and industry).
SIG_DENTAL_IMAGING Focus Groups
The EFOMP Special Interest Group (SIG) in Dental Imaging is organizing dedicated focus groups to address key areas within dental medical physics. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up for the groups that best align with their expertise and interest. Please note that the focus groups may evolve over time, with potential merging or adjustments in focus areas. Additionally, new focus groups may emerge in future discussions and Delphi rounds, while groups with limited interest might be temporarily placed on hold.
Categorized Focus Groups (FG):
FG1: Image Quality Metrics, Diagnostic Reference Levels, and Optimizing Exposures (Responsible Hugo Trindade)
Developing image quality metrics, standardizing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), and optimizing imaging protocols for pediatric and adult patients to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
FG2: Medical Physics Training and Radiation Protection for Dentists, Including Shielding and Pregnant Patient Considerations (Responsible Mona Lisa Camilleri)
Harmonizing medical physics training and radiation protection practices for dentists, including defining the medical physicist's role and addressing special considerations for radiation shielding and pregnant patients.
FG3: Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) Protocols (Responsible Eirini Tsaggari)
Establishing comprehensive QC protocols, criteria, and developing relevant phantoms for physicists, as well as practical QA/QC guidelines and frequency of testing tailored for regular use by dental practitioners.
FG4: Dosimetry Methodology and Protocols (Responsible Chibuzor Eneh)
Creating standardized dosimetric methodologies and protocols tailored specifically for dental imaging.
AI Tools in Dental Imaging
Evaluating the accuracy, safety, and clinical utility of emerging AI technologies in dental imaging, including integration strategies within clinical workflows. People who are interested in contributing to developing AI tools, shall be referred to the AI SIG / WHO TG on Dental AI.
Dental MRI (Discussion Closed)
Note: After initial consideration, the establishment of a dedicated Dental MRI group has been deferred.
SIG_DENTAL_IMAGING governance
The Steering Committee members elected in January 2024 for a 3-year term are:
- Mona Lisa Camilleri, Malta
- Chibuzor Eneh, Finland
- Paddy Gilligan, Ireland
- Ruben Pauwels, Denmark
- Hugo Trindade, Portugal
- Eirini Tsaggari, Denmark
- Brendan Tuohy, Ireland
Board
- Convener: Ruben Pauwels, Denmark
- Vice Convener: Hugo Trindade, Portugal
- Secretary: Eirini Tsaggari, Denmark
SIG_DENTAL_IMAGING Application Procedure
SIG will be open for additional members during the life of the SIG.
EFOMP members (members of their National Member Organisation), Individual Associate Members (including professionals outside the EU) or EFOMP Company members (company staff) can apply to become a member.
NMOs and EFOMP affiliated organisations can also nominate representatives.
Applications can be sent anytime by using this form and are reviewed on a regular basis.
Publications
Attachments
SIG proposal Size: 267,21 KB