In The Technology Evangelist Podcast Episode 7, hosted by Dr. John Flucke on Medidenta Digital Solutions, the focus is on 3D imaging in dentistry. Dr. Dale Miles, a distinguished oral maxillofacial radiologist with over 40,000 scans read, joins to explore how this technology, alongside artificial intelligence (AI), is revolutionizing dental diagnostics. With a career spanning academia and private practice across multiple continents, Dr. Miles introduces EasyRiter®, a cutting-edge software tool he developed with VideaHealth to enhance radiographic analysis. This episode offers valuable insights for dental professionals looking to integrate 3D imaging in dentistry into their practices. Tune in to discover how these advancements improve patient care and reduce liability risks!
Dr. Miles’ research amplifies the role of 3D imaging in dentistry. Since December, he has identified 38 cases of calcification patterns suggesting diabetes in 312 scans from one client, a 10-12% rate. This data, embedded in EasyRiter®, prompts referrals for hemoglobin A1c tests, often revealing family histories of diabetes or hypertension. His upcoming study will compare these findings with panoramic X-rays, promising to enhance early detection. Additionally, he notes oral lesions from diseases like measles appear a week before other symptoms, underscoring how 3D imaging in dentistry can serve as an early warning system, potentially preventing outbreaks.
Dr. Miles emphasizes education, delivering 30-hour CBCT courses in Ontario and hands-on EasyRiter® training. He addresses liability concerns, noting that while not all scans require radiologist review, dentists are responsible for all CBCT findings. For low-volume practitioners, self-education with tools like EasyRiter® suffices, but high-volume practices should establish formal radiologist partnerships. This approach to 3D imaging in dentistry minimizes risks, as seen in his expert witness experience, where documentation proved critical.