Spear's MRI interpretation course for dentists enables a more clinical look at patients with TMJ Issues

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhances the evaluation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and can provide crucial information about possible causes of TMJ discomfort. As an important part of your treatment planning, interpreting an MRI can help your patients who have potential TMJ problems.

According to National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain), affecting approximately 5 to 12% of the population, with an annual cost estimated at $4 billion. About half to two-thirds of those with TMD will seek treatment. Among these, approximately 15% will develop chronic TMD.

A new MRI interpretation course for dentists developed by Spear will enable dentists to have a better understanding not only when to order an MRI, but how to interpret the results

MRI Post-Processing: The Key to MRI Interpretation

Course Description: MRI Interpretation Course for Dentists

The ability to assess the soft and hard tissue of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows a restorative doctor to evaluate the risk factors related to the TMJ. The information obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be invaluable when treatment planning for patients who require pain management, occlusal treatment, orthodontic therapy, restorative treatment, airway management, or orthognathic surgery. In this course, Dr. Jim McKee discusses the post-processing of MRI images to obtain accurate diagnostic information, and he outlines the steps necessary to post-process the images to gain confidence when diagnosing and treatment planning.

tooth tissue composition chart

MRI Course Learning Objectives

  • Determine a clear protocol for knowing when and how to order MRI.
  • Explain the different MRI series.
  • Use the imaging reading/viewing software to interpret MRI.
  • Apply a protocol for capturing pertinent MRI to create a presentation template.

MRI Course Lessons

  1. What to Consider When Ordering MRI
  2. The Piper MRI Protocol
  3. Key MRI Reading Software Tools
  4. MRI Interpretation
  5. Creating a Presentation Template
  6. Case Study: Structurally Altered Jaw Joints

Presenter: Dr. Jim McKee

CE Credits: 0.75

Learn More About the Course Here.


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