Relevance date: These instructions will apply to the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) conducted beginning in 2010. See the RCDC website for instructions for examinations conducted on earlier or later dates.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in Canada

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is a specialty recognized by the Canadian Dental Association. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is that branch and specialty of dentistry concerned with the prescription, production and interpretation of diagnostic images for the diagnosis and management of diseases and disorders of the craniofacial complex.

Purpose

Successful completion of the examination (NDSE) may lead to Fellowship in the College. The RCDC Fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology recognizes competence in the practice of the specialty. Fellowship is the highest professional achievement for an oral and maxillofacial radiologist in Canada. RCDC Fellows in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology are currently working throughout Canada and the United States in private specialty practices, dental schools, cancer centres and teaching hospitals.

Examination Structure

The examination in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology consists of two components
 

The examination dates for Component II will be determined following completion of the written examinations and the publishing of the written component results, and will be based on the number of candidates challenging Component II. These dates may fall anywhere within the indicated window and are fixed once set. The RCDC cannot accommodate requests for exceptions, other than in the case of religious or special needs that have been indicated before the date has been set.

Component I: Written Examination

Component I consists of two (2) papers containing multiple choice, short answer and essay type questions. The papers contain four (4) general sections: General and Oral Pathology, Radiation Sciences, Imaging Techniques, and Gross and Radiographic Anatomy.

Paper I (3 hours):

- General and Oral Pathology (2 hours)
- Radiation Sciences (1 hour)

Paper II (3 hours):

- Imaging Techniques (1 hour)
- Gross and Radiographic Anatomy (2 hours)


In order to pass Component I, a candidate must achieve a passing grade in all four sections.


Component II: Oral and Written Examinations

To be eligible to challenge Component II, the candidate must have passed Component I. Component II will be held approximately six to nine months after Component I.


A. Interpretation of Radiological Diagnostic Images (Written) (1 hour) 

The Written portion of the Interpretation of Radiological Diagnostic Images examination will consist of four (4) sets of patient diagnostic images. The patient’s age and sex will be provided. For each set of images, the candidate will be expected to provide the following information in written form:

1. Identify the diagnostic image(s) provided, including imaging modality and anatomical area depicted.
2. Describe the pertinent findings on the images in the format of a Radiology Report.
3. Provide a differential or definitive interpretation of the abnormality/ies.
4. Comment on the management of the case (where applicable, other images, imaging techniques or diagnostic tests that may be indicated to provide further information).


B. Interpretation of Radiological Diagnostic Images (Oral) (2 hours) 

The Oral portion of the Interpretation of Radiological Diagnostic Images examination will consist of sixteen (16) sets of patient diagnostic images. The patient’s age and sex will be provided. For each patient case, the candidate will be expected provide the following information, orally:

a) Identify the diagnostic image(s) provided including imaging modality and anatomical area depicted.

b) Describe the pertinent findings on the images.

c) Provide a differential or definitive interpretation of the abnormality/ies.

d) Comment on the management of the case (where applicable, other images, imaging techniques or diagnostic tests that may be indicated to provide further information).

Two to three examiners will give the Component II Oral examination.

Candidates must successfully interpret the written and oral cases shown in order to pass the Component II examination.

Note: Candidates may wish to bring their own magnifying glasses to the Component II examination. Calculators or other similar electronic devices are not permitted.

 

General and Oral Pathology

· Pathogenesis/Pathophysiology

· Histopathology

Radiation Sciences

· Cellular and Mammalian Radiation Biology

· Radiation Physics

Imaging Techniques

· Imaging Physics

· Clinical Applications

Anatomy

· Gross Anatomy

· Anatomy on Diagnostic Images

Dental Developmental Abnormalities

Developmental Abnormalities of the Jaws and Facial Bones

Cysts

Neoplasia (Benign and Malignant)

Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases

Fibro-Osseous Diseases

Bone and Hard Tissue Dysplasias

Metabolic and Endocrine Diseases

Trauma

Temporomandibular Joint Pathoses

Salivary Gland Diseases

Paranasal Sinus Pathoses