The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology held its 54th annual session in Chicago, Ill. The purpose of the Academy is to promote and advance the art and science of radiology in dentistry, and to provide a forum for communication and professional advancement among its members. To this end the annual session provided an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge through the presentation of papers, posters, continuing education and other scientific sessions. This year's program included three scientific sessions, a Clinico-Radiologic Conference, a CE program, a Clinical Research workshop, the annual H. Cline Fixott Sr. Memorial Lecture, an Exhibitor's Forum and five Special Interest Groups.
The scientific sessions included research presentations on some of the newest digital imaging modalities and innovations in disease diagnosis. The C.E. program was entitled "Anatomy of a Systematic Review" given by Amid Ismail, M.P.H., Dr. Ph. from the University of Michigan. Attendees were introduced to the steps which should be included in conducting systematic reviews of the literature. This program served as an excellent lead-in to the research workshop entitled "Elements of Clinical Research in Diagnostic Imaging" which described and contrasted three types of clinical research designs � cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies. This workshop provided many practical ideas that one could use to implement clinical imaging research.
The H. Cline Fixott Sr. Memorial Lecturer was given by Alan G. Lurie D.D.S., Ph.D. He presented the latest advances on research technologies that track radiation exposure damage and the current dilemmas in estimating radiation risk.
The Exhibitor's Forum was an afternoon session where the commercial exhibitors presented and answered questions pertaining to the latest developments in their company's organization and product lines.
The Clinico-Radiologic Conference provided an opportunity for members to formulate differential diagnoses of cases submitted by contributing clinicians. Discussants presented their diagnostic impressions followed by a contributor's presentation of the actual diagnosis and case outcome. This session has become one of the most popular formats during the annual meeting.
The Special Interest Groups included programs on developing a filmless dental clinic by Dr. Paul van der Stelt, visual perception analysis by Dr. Robert Cederberg, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) by Dr. Hans-Göran Gröndahl, scientific writing by Dr. Sharon Brooks and various aspects of CT imaging by Dr. Axel Ruprecht. These presentations were designed as small group sessions which included both seminar and small group exercise formats.
For more information on the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology please contact Dr. Michael Shrout, Executive Director, AAOMR, P.O Box 1010, Evans, GA 30809-1010 or visit the Web site at www.aaomr.org.
