Newsletter The International Association of Dento-Maxillo-Facial Radiology

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Edemir Costa (chair) Newsletter Committee

Dear Colleagues,

    It is a pleasure for me to address you in the third Newsletter under our responsibility. As chair of the Newsletter Committee, I can guarantee you that all our actions are directed toward providing the most up-to-date information to IADMFR members regarding our association and our specialty at large. We have to once again express our gratitude to all of those who are kindly taking their time preparing and sending contributions to the Newsletter in the form of reports, news, and other pertinent information. We know of your busy schedules and really appreciate your cooperation.

    It was unfortunate to see that our first Newsletter (Vol. 25, n. 1, November/1999) did not reach a number of our members, especially in the United States. A problem with the company that mails the Newsletter to IADMFR members (together with the DMFR journal) from England to the rest of the world made this happen. I would ask those members who have not received the above mentioned Newsletter to access the URL of our Association on the internet (www.iadmfr.acta.nl) and read it online. We then thought the mailing of Newsletters would be smooth for its following issue (Vol. 25, n. 2, May/2000) but, as you probably noticed, it was mailed to you separately from and after the May issue of the DMFR journal. To avoid future problems and delays in the receipt of Newsletters, we will now mail them individually to each IADMFR member directly from Brasil. We would like to thank Drs. Gerard Sanderink and Luc Habets, our Secretary General and Treasurer, respectively, for their initiative and help regarding this issue.
    Thank you for your understanding. We will keep working for the benefit of IADMFR and will do our best to provide you with an informative Newsletter. And one that reaches you in due time.

Kindest regards,

Prof. Edemir Costa
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Disciplina de Radiologia/STM/CCS
Campus Universitario - Trindade
Florianopolis, SC - BRASIL 88040-900
E-mail: ecosta@matrix.com.br
Fax: 011-55-48-224-6904

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Douglas Lovelock President of I A D M F R

    In the northern hemisphere the holiday season is drawing to a close. Our students start their new academic year in September. I am sure that many people will be returning to their hospitals and universities. So now is the time to be working on your presentation for GLASGOW 2001, the 13th ICDMFR.

    Elsewhere in this Newsletter Laetitia Brocklebank, Secretary General of the 13th ICDMFR, has set out details of GLASGOW 2001 and the Second announcement should be with you in the near future. All of the U.K. members of the Association are looking forward to meeting you here. Please join us the make this a most memorable Congress.
    I am expecting to welcome you to Glasgow next August.

Douglas Lovelock
Dept. of Radiology
Dental Hospital & School
Richardson Road
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AZ, UK.
Telephone: International Code: +44 191-. National Code: 0191-
Phone -232-5131, bleep 2331, or ext 24867.
Direct line -282-4867.
Fax -222-6137, -227-5149.

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Gerard Sanderink Secretary General IADMFR

    The congresses of the IADMFR are presently held on a biannual cycle. At the General Assembly in Glasgow next year a decision will be made about the future cycle. This means to either proceed with the present system or to return to the previous three-year cycle. In the next newsletter the pro’s and contra’s will be discussed. The combination of the two-year cycle and the possibilities of the Internet made it possible to skip the Ad-Interim board of Directors Meeting. More than in the past information can be exchanged instantly.

Membership renewal
    All those members who have to renew their membership next January will receive a dues notice in November. As mentioned before, I strongly advise you to continue you membership for a period of three years instead of a one-year period. The reasons for this are practical. The bank costs of annual payments are much higher for the secretariat. More bank costs have to be paid and also the additional labor for the Office is considerable. For members with a tri-annual payment a saving of 30 USD is obtained.

Membership Application
    Most of you will have seen the new membership application leaflets. Members who want to receive some of these leaflets to recruit new members please contact the Secretariat.  At the moment we have a total number of 597 members. This is a small drop compared to 1999 when we had 630 members. Please help us to make the association stronger by expanding the number of members. You also can refer to the IADMFR web site where also the benefits of the IADMFR are explained. An electronic application form is also present.

Journal on-line
    Members who make use of the online version of our Journal recently got a new password from the publisher. In case you also prefer to make use of this facility please contact the secretariat. The IADMFR has to pay for this so in case you do have this facility already but do not use it, please inform the Secretariat to remove you from the on-line list. It is always possible to reapply.

Application for IADMFR Fellowship
    In Osaka the first Fellowships were granted. New applications can be accepted until January 31, 2001. Individual members who are eligible for a fellowship do have to apply themselves. An extensive description for the requirements for eligibility and procedure can be found in the May 2000 Newsletter and also at the IADMFR web site where also the Application Forms are available. If you need further information please contact the Office of the Secretariat.

IADMFR RESEARCH AWARD
    In the May issue of the newsletter the IADMFR Research Award was announced. The first prize will be USD 7500 and the second prize USD 2500 and will be awarded for the first time during the congress in Glasgow in 2001. The announcement with criteria and procedures can also be found on the IADMFR web site. Please inform your postgraduate students or junior faculty members within 5 years of graduation about this prize.

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  It is with great pleasure that we welcome the new members of our Association:
 

Claudia Susana Urzúa	ARGENTINA	susyurzua@hotmail.com
Michael Mahoney	AUSTRALIA
Alison Butt	AUSTRALIA	ganesh.c.lingam@bigpond.com
Janet M. Fuss	AUSTRALIA	janet.fuss@adelaide.edu.au
Suzanne Le Page Langlois	AUSTRALIA	suziel@adelaide.on.net
Els De Smet	BELGIUM	els.desmet@med.kuleuven.ac.be
Vania Castro	BRAZIL
Aurelino M.L. Guedes	BRAZIL	aurelinoguedes@yol.com.br
Rodney Caliman	BRAZIL	rosezip@yahoo.com
Alessandro M. Della Casa	BRAZIL
Mateus Flores	BRAZIL	mef@tpo.com.br
Stefan Hassfeld	GERMANY	shassfeld@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Christian Scheifele	GERMANY	christian.scheifele@charite.de
Olaf Brodersen	GERMANY	olaf.brodersen@t-online.de
Ralf Schulze	GERMANY	rschulze@mail.uni-mainz.de
Panos Stergiou	GREECE	pansterg@hotmail.com
Ioannis Faklaris	GREECE	med1@compulink.gr
Andrew Bolas	IRELAND	bolas@gofree.indigo.ie
Joseph PeterLustig	ISRAËL
Giuliosergio Pasta	ITALY	info@radiologiapasta.it
Ichiro Ogura	JAPAN	iogura.orad@tmd.ac.jp
Mahfujul Haq Khan	JAPAN	mahfuzul@den.hokudai.ac.jp
Makoto Tsuchimochi	JAPAN	tsuchimochi@ngt.ndu.ac.jp
Masahiro Imanaka	JAPAN	K01695@simail.ne.jp
Yumi Kimura	JAPAN
Han Won-jeong	KOREA
Stein Johannessen	NORWAY	steinj@odont.uio.no
Krystyna Thun-Szretter	POLAND
David Fong	REPUBLIC OF CHINA	dsmfong@ctimail.com
Wafaa Al-Faleh	SAUDI ARABIA
Paul Jordi	SWITZERLAND	paul.jordi@rxtech.ch
Ahmet Nuri Yazicioglu	TURKEY	yazcoglu@dentistry.ankara.edu.tr
Pelin Gürdal	TURKEY	agurdal@superonline.com
Sebahat Görgün	TURKEY	gorgun@dentistry.anakara.edu.tr
Ali Riza Ilker Cebeci	TURKEY	ilkercebeci@usa.net
Bengi Öztas	TURKEY	bengioz@mailcity.com
Candan S. Paksoy	TURKEY	paksoy@dentistry.ankara.edu.tr
Michael Mastoris	TURKEY	michaelmastoris@hotmail.com
Garmon Bell	UNITED KINGDOM	garmonbell@hotmail.com
Patrick Grossmann	UNITED KINGDOM
EnderOzgul	USA	ender0z@aol.com
Jie Yang	USA	jyang@dental.temple.edu

 
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Prof. Hajime FUCHIHATA, D.D.S., Ph.D. Chairman Nominating Committee Dental Hygienist College, Osaka Sangyo University 1-22-18 Yoshino, Fukushima-ku Osaka 553-0006, Japan Tel:+81-6-6446-1251  Fax:+81-6-6446-1252 E-mail: h fuchihata@osaka-sandai-dental.ac.jp

    Presently the IADMFR is still experimenting with a 2-year cycle for its International Congress. Upcoming meetings are scheduled  for Glasgow (Douglas Lovelock, President) 2001, and Florianopolis, Brazil (Edemir Costa, President) 2003. Depending on whether a two year or three year cycle is maintained following the meeting after Brazil this will be either in 2005 or 2006. The venue for 2005/6 is selected at the 2001 Congress in Glasgow.

    As Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the IADMFR (the Past President’s traditional  job), I wish to inform those interested in holding the 2005/6 Congress that it is not too early to start putting together your bids. The bid should demonstrate significant local support (letters from local government, your institution, the profession locally, the convention bureau, etc.) and a suitable infrastructure and meeting plan. Information should be supplied concerning the proposed venue, accommodation for delegates and transportation/access. Six copies of the bid should be forwarded to my attention. The Nominating Committee in turn will review these and next reports to the  Board of Directors. The final decision is up to the General Assembly of the Association in Glasgow.

    Anyone contemplating submission of a bid is more than welcome to contact me for further information. A brochure with a checklist is also available.

    The deadline for bids is March 1, 2001.

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    Our second announcement and call for papers is being distributed this autumn, and there will be plenty of opportunity for delegates to present their work as either an oral or poster presentation. In addition we have already invited a number of speakers to give plenary or review lectures which cover a range of topics, so that there will be something to interest everyone. The speakers have been selected as having recognised expertise in the subject they will present to us, and also excellent presentational skills:
 

    The Congress will take place in the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, situated in the centre of Glasgow, commencing with the opening ceremony and opening of the exhibition in the late afternoon on Sunday, 5 August 2001. We will have the opportunity to spend the earlier part of the day visiting Edinburgh, the historic capital city of Scotland; this will mean that we can start the scientific programme on the Monday morning fully relaxed from our journey.

    We have selected a variety of types of accommodation for you to choose from, including University flats for 4 or 6 people to share – these are within walking distance of the RSAMD, and offer very good value self-catering accommodation for families or groups of friends. There are also a number of hotels, all within a very short distance from the Congress site; brief details of the accommodation options are on our web-site, and the reservation form will be included in the second announcement.

    Scotland is a marvellous place in which to spend a holiday, full of beautiful scenery including mountains, lochs, beaches and forests. Of course there are also an enormous number of castles, and whisky distilleries – something for everyone to enjoy. We hope that some of you will bring your family with you, and there will be space on the registration form for you to indicate if you are interested in a creche for very young children, or a special accompanying persons programme for slightly older children – provision of these facilities will be dependent on demand, and the Congress Secretariat will correspond with those of you who indicate an interest in these options.

    Scotland is also famous for its golf courses, and we know that many IADMFR members are enthusiastic golf players. We are making arrangements for a day’s golf on one of the well-known courses in the west of Scotland, and will be offering this on the Thursday immediately after the Congress finishes.

    The Pre-Congress Course (PCC) will take place on Saturday, 4 August, at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Peter Hirschmann is co-ordinating this one day course, and has arranged an excellent programme concentrating on Selection Criteria in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology. In the last Newsletter I indicated that the day would cover both selection criteria and informatics, but we have decided to concentrate on one topic, which enables us to give broader and deeper coverage. We know that many people are likely to travel to Glasgow in order to include the Saturday night, in order to take advantage of cheaper air fares, and so we have arranged a social event on the Saturday evening which will be open to everyone who wishes to come, not only those attending the PCC.

    Full details of all the social events, and options for short and longer tours during and after the Congress, are included in our second announcement, as well as the information you will need to submit an abstract, register for the PCC and the Congress, and to book accommodation.

    See you in Glasgow!

Laetitia Brocklebank
Secretary-General, Glasgow 2001
e-mail: l.m.brocklebank@dental.gla.ac.uk
web-site: http://iadmfrglasgow2001.shef.ac.uk

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    A membership questionnaire was originally published in the IADMFR Newsletter in Summer 1998, and members were invited to return this to the Secretariat in Amsterdam.  The purpose of the questionnaire was to try to determine what the membership did in their working life, and their views on a number of factors relating to our international conferences.

    The response was rather disappointing with only 37 completed forms, although a couple of members enthusiastically sent their form more than once - thank you to all those who took the time to complete the questionnaire. In view of the complicated answer options that were sometimes available, and the small number of returns it is not possible to produce any statistical results, but the findings in terms of raw figures are still interesting; I would like to thank Paul van der Stelt for his assistance in analysing the results. They have been of benefit to our planning for Glasgow 2001, and I hope they will also be of benefit to future IADMFR Congress organisers.

    This report will present the original questions and the predominant responses.

1. Job nature – main employment:
clinician: 15; teacher - 19; researcher - 5 (2 respondents equally favoured 2 categories, thus there are 39 responses!)

2. Job activities, in order of priority/frequency of occurrence:
major - hospital specialist in radiology (14); teacher (10); teacher, undergraduate students (4)
secondary - predominantly teacher (16)
tertiary - clinical research (15)

3. Please indicate the three areas of dentistry which you think have the strongest links with radiology:
oral surgery; implants; endodontics/orthodontics

4. Attendance at IADMFR Congresses - Budapest, Seoul and Louisville:
a number of options were given. Interestingly amongst those completing the questionnaire, the majority had not attended these conferences! Amongst those that had attended them, they generally participated fully, usually presenting a paper or poster, and chairing a session, and were frequently accompanied by a partner.

5. Attendance at other DMFR (or related) conferences, in the last 3 years:
 (top 3 ratings):
3 meetings - 14 respondents; 1 or 2 meetings – 9 respondents; 0 meetings - 8

6. What financial package would you prefer to be offered for a Conference:
1st choice - equal numbers between registration including lunch and social events for delegate only, and registration only
2nd choice - registration including lunch, then registration including lunch and social events for delegate and also accommodation
3rd choice - registration including lunch and social events for delegate only

    When combining all three choices, with or without applying a weighting factor, the top choice continued to be registration including lunch and social events for the delegate.

7. What factors influence your decision to attend a conference:
Location and pure science content were stronger than all other factors; with innovative ideas and keynote speakers also important; keynote speakers scored 6 in each of the most important, and second and third most important factors categories. Interestingly, “translation into own language” was one of the least important selections.

8. Location of conference, and funding:
The strongest factor affecting the decision whether to attend a conference or not was overwhelmingly “getting financial support”; the influence of distance was split between yes (21) and no (15).

9. Content of conference: presentations and posters:
The three areas most important in attracting delegates were considered to be; diagnosis, digital radiology and case presentations.

10. Interest to other professionals:
This final question gave people a free hand in what they wrote. Nevertheless a trend came through in the responses, indicating that the role of radiology in their own speciality, digital techniques and diagnosis were all considered to be important if we wish to attract non-radiologists to our meetings.

    Although the number of responses was small, useful information has come out of this questionnaire. If these members are reasonable representative of our membership overall, then it would appear that most of us;
· combine more than one job activity
· recognise the logical clinical links with radiology
· attend conferences, although not necessarily our own!
· If they attend IADMFR meetings, actively participate
· like to have lunch and social events included in the registration fee
· are influenced as much by the content of the conference program as the location in which it takes place
· need financial support to attend - this in turn means that they usually need to actively participate!
· are keen on clinically relevant material.

    In Glasgow we have taken note of these findings and will be offering a virtually all-inclusive package. If future conference organisers want more detailed information, I am happy to send them the results.

Laetitia Brocklebank

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Last Name:
First Name:
Title(s):
Address:

Phone: Fax: Email:
Choose:    (  ) One Year: US $    60
  (  ) Three Years: US $  150

Select method of payment:
- By credit card:
 Please complete the following information:
 Circle one
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- Bank Transfer: see instructions.
 Please add a copy of your transfer.

Return the completed application form by mail or fax to the  Secretary General.

For More Information please Contact:
Dr. G.C.H. SANDERINK
Secretary General IADMFR
ACTA
Louwesweg 1
1066 EA Amsterdam
THE NETHERLANDS
PHONE:    31-20-5188-260
FAX:         31-20-5188-480
INTERNET: G.Sanderink@acta.nl

    Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology

• The offical Journal published by the Association.
• Membership fees are less than 50% of the regular subscription fees of the Journal.
• Receive 6 journals per year.
• The Journal is the world’s only English language periodical devoted entirely to dento-maxillofacial radiology.
• The journal is included in the ISI citation index (1997 Impact Factor 0.714).
• In 1999 and 2000 a combined print and on-line version of the Journal will be available to members free of extra charge.

• two times per year futuring items of interest and contributions from members worldwide.

• over 150 oral presentations
• poster sessions,
• commercial exhibits
• an excellent social program for registrants
• special events for accompanying persons.

    2001: Glasgow, Scotland, August 04-08
    2003: Florianopolis, Brazil, May 19-23

    Qualification for Fellowship status.

    Upon due consideration by a panel of Fellows, applicants can be elected to Fellowship and usethe letters FIADMFR where permissible. Fellows receive a certificate, lapel pin and distinctive medal.

    Opportunities to participate in the work of the Association.

    The Association offers opportunities to participate as Regional Director, Member of the Board of Directors, chairman or member of a subcommittee or working group, or on the Editorial Board of the Journal.

    Membership certificate,
    suitable for framing, Lapel pins and other Association insignia are available

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Report   from Argentina
 

HUGO DAGUM Regional Director South America

    In Argentina, the number of dentomaxillofacial radiologists is scarce, therefore neither meetings nor congresses dedicated only to this specialty are held. However, we do participate in multidisciplinary meetings, as in the 30th  International Congress of the Argentinian Dental Association (A.O.A.), celebrated from the 4th to the 7th of December, 1999. On this ocasion, the Congress had a chapter on radiology related to the different specialities:

    Periodontology, Dentomaxillofacial Surgery, Prosthetics and Implants, where the different conventional techniques plus tomography and MNR were evaluated. This activity had great acceptance. Likewise, on October (13th-16th) will held the 19th International Sessions of Dentistry, organized by the Dentistry Circle of Cordoba (C.O.C.). This meeting shall have a session dedicated to dentomaxillofacial radiology with a four-hour-course, conferences and discussion tables where outstanding specialists will take part and where the tendencies of radiology in the new millenium will be seen. In all these events, the IADMFR is advertised inorder to look for new members. We are working to increase the number of  Argentinian members with the hope of being able to reach in a brief time the amount of 50 members in our country, so as to have a greater presence in the meetings of Glasgow and Florianopolis. On 2nd of September, 2000, we convocated every radiologist from Argentina in order to constitute our Argentinian Society of Dental Radiology, so as to hold scientific acts and try to cooperate in the speciality arrangement.

    Lastly, I like to express my position about the designation of Argentina as the seat of the 4th Latin American Meeting of the IADMFR (designated in the 2nd Latin American Meeting in Lima, Peru). I shall point out that the postulation of Argentina as seat was done without my having been asked. My position reached the 3rd Latin American Meeting in Cartagena, Colombia (June 15 to 17), since I consider that those events should be organized under the Regional Director’s responsability. Again with our purpose of working for a greater latin american presence in the IADMFR, I send my kindest regards.

HUGO DAGUM
Regional Director South America
Azcuenaga, 834
1115 Buenos Aires - Argentina
Tel.: 54(1) 963-7766
Fax: 54(1) 963-3211
hugodagum@movi.com.ar

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    The 3rd Asian Congress of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (ACOMFR) was held in Beijing from July 6-9 successfully. About 170 participants from Asian countries and areas attended this congress. Nine educational lectures, 13 special lectures, 44 oral presentations and 28 poster presentations were delivered. The research work, clinical and educational experiences of
imaging diagnoses( including general dental and maxillofacial radiology, CT,MRI, digital radiology, scintigraphic and ultrasonographic diagnoses), related techniques, experimental radiology and interventional radiology in oral and maxillofacial region were covered and discussed in this congress.
    The whole congress was very smooth and successful. The friend relationship
and academic exchange among Asian countries and areas become much closer.

Xu-chen MA, D.D.S., Ph.D.
President, the 3rd ACOMFR
President, Chinese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Radilogy
Professor and Chairman
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Peking University School of Stomatology
Beijing, China

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    Report of Regional meetings held in India and announcement of future meetings to be held .
The second National oral medicine,oral surgery,oral pathology conference was held on 23rd,25th June 2000 at Nair hospital Dental College, Mumbai.CASEY of USA presented their Software programs to be used for patient education and management to be used in the dental office.
    The annual Conference of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine & Maxillofacial Radiology is to be held between 8th to 10th December 2000 at Chennai.
    Dr. K.S. Nagesh presented an Introductory Lecturte on “Hi-Tech Dentistry in the new Millenium” at the 39th CDME meet held at the R.V. Teachers College Auditorium Bangalore India.
    Dr. K.S.Nagesh, member IADMFR will be visiting the Showa University of School of Dentistry, Tokyo on 20th December 2000 hosted by Dr.T. Okano, Prof.Dept., of Radiology,Showa University School of Dental Sciences Tokyo.

With Regards,

Dr.K.S.Nagesh

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    A brief note from Indonesia In our country, specialty in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology is still in progress. Right now we’re focusing on the association for the Indonesian
society of Oral Radiology that has been acknowledged by the Indonesian
Dentist Association.

    The first meeting of of our association was held in October 1997 and the
next will be one of the event in the Scientific Meeting and Refresher
Course in Dentistry this coming November 2000.

    Hopefully in the near future we’ll be able to host a congress in Oral
Radiology of South East Asian.

    That will be all for now.

    My best regards to all IADMFR members.

Hanna H.B. Iskandar
Regional Director IADMFR (Asia)
Faculty of Dentistry, Dental Rad.
University of Indonesia
JI. Salemba Raya 4
Jakarta 10430 - Indonesia
Fax: 62(21) 3311412
e-mail: hanna@makara.cso.ui.ac.id

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    Many dental schools in the Nordic countries have been visited by the DENTED teams.  DENTED (www.dented.org) is a Thematic Network Project in dental education within the European Union that promotes convergence towards higher standards through collaboration, self-assessment and international peer review.   It is a close associate of the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE).  School visits include a self-assessment process followed by a visit from a team of five international dental academics.  I have been in teams visiting  schools in Finland and UK, and the school in Malmö, Sweden has also been visited during five days by a DENTED team.  It gives a very good opportunity to compare how oral & maxillofacial radiology is put into the curriculum in different schools in Europe and stimulates definitely the idea of convergence within the EU.

    Based on this european experience some of us have started to think about the idea of getting our speciality acknowledged within the EU.  Presently, only orthodontics and oral surgery are recognized as specialities in the European Union.  At least two member countries must have the speciality recognized before even starting to think about applying for recognition.  In the countries within the EU oral & maxillofacial radiology is a recognized speciality in the UK and Sweden.  In Finland there is a speciality of Clinical dentistry, with a subdivision of Radiology.   The recognition of oral & maxillofacial radiology as a speciality within the EU would strengthen the position of our subject in our countries.  Please, welcome with ideas to my e-mail address, if you want to give your opinion about this matter.

    The entrance in EU has also changed the regulations for the use of ionizing radiation in i.e. Denmark and Sweden.  In Denmark it is forbidden to use D-speed film from May 1, 2000.  In Sweden we must have a weekly control of the constancy of the developing process.  Further, yearly controls are regulated regarding dental and panoramic X-ray machines.  A new organization for radiation protection has also been introduced and specialists in oral radiology are members of this organization.

    Digital radiography is rapidly moving forward  and Professor Ann Wenzel reports the following from Aarhus, Denmark:  ”At the Royal Dental College in Aarhus, we have decided to switch to digital radiography in the clinical departments.  In order to hopefully void total chaos, we have decided to start with one department at a time, beginning with the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Surgery by the 1st of September.  The equipment that will be used is the Sirona unit (CCD) for panoramic and ceph images and Denoptix/Digora (storage phosphors) for tomography and other special examination performed with the Scanora unit.  For intraoral examinations performed at the surgical department, a Digora unit will be available.  We use the program Digiview as a base where all patient related data can be looked up, and all images belonging to the same patient are displayed, no matter which was the original source of the image.  Image enhancement facilities are also available.  The department to follow will hopefully be the Orthodontic Department, but there will be negotiations ahead since orthodontists in Scandinavia are used to a full 24x30 cm image of the head in both lateral and frontal projections, and none of the digital systems on the market are ready to fulfil this demand yet.  We would like to share the problems that will arise with those of you who have also gone digital or intend to in the near future. We would certainly like to hear about your problems as well.”

    In Sweden most radiological departments at the hospitals are switching to digital radiography, including the sections of  oral & maxillofacial radiology, so there will be a lot of experiences to share in the future.

    The Annual Congress of the Swedish Dental Association is held October 26-28, 2000 in Stockholm.  A seminar for dentists in postgraduate specialist training is held in connection of the congress in October 25.

Best regards

Arne Petersson
Representative of the Nordic countries
Department of Oral radiology
Faculty of Odontology, Malmö university, Sweden
email arne.petersson@od.mah.se

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    At the end of this year we are expecting the revision of our governmental Regulation on  Radiation Protection replacing the Regulation accepted in 1987. The informative draft at disposal for discussion contains several alterations and additions.

    Some changes I would already like to highlight.

    Of course radiographic digital imaging is one of the main items added respectively extended. Rapid technological changes and developements demanded reliable regulations concerning achieving, storage and availability of diagnostic information in combination with computed
technology.

    Further minimizing of operators radiation risks is e.g. stressd by enhanced limitation of possible exposure values.

    Areas with more then 15,0 mSv radiation exposure possible within a year have been of restricted access and additional protectional conditions have to be considered. The value is now reduced to 6,0 mSv. Values of the adjectant area (as well of restricted access) are reduced from -5,0 up to 15,0- to -1,0 up to 6,0- mSv.

    On the other hand use of alternative diagnostic methods is emphasized and responsible application of radiation exposure is presented more detailed.

    The expert knowledge which every person performing radiologic procedures has to prove in certified exams regulated by governmental administration is no longer valid for more than five years. With the revision of our Regulation on Radiation Protection a participation in periodic education courses and adaequate certification will become prescribed.

    Beyond these positive alterations some items still have to be discussed within our Working Group for Dental Radiology in the German Scientific Society for Dentistry in order to seize the practical consequences for dento-maxillo-facial radiology in Germany and define our conception of -up to date- radiation safety practices.

Irmela Reuter
Waldeyerstr. 30, 48149 Münster

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Kanji KISHI  D. D. S., D.Med.Sc.
Okayama Univ. Dental School
2-5-1, shikata - cho  /  Okayama, Japan
e-mail: k kishi@dent.okayama-u.ac.jp

    Annual Meeting of Diagnostic Imaging for Oral and Maxillofacial lesions was held at Tokyo on May 12 through 13, 2000, chaired by Professor Kinya Kuroyanagi. The meetings have been held as the activity of the Diagnostic Imaging Section of Japanese Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (JSOMR). The theme of the meeting of this year 2000 was “ Imaging diagnosis of jaws”— From micro to macro—. A satellite symposium, “Think about the future of Oral Radiology with the recent reform of University” and a satellite workshop “Technical presentation of Dental digital Imaging Systems” by the technical and developmental experts” were held during the session. Three educational lectures as well as seventeen scientific papers were presented. Educational lectures: “Micro blood circulation of jawbones——Its normal and abnormal findings” by Professor Kazuto Takahashi, Dept. of Oral Anatomy, Kanagawa Dental College. “Lesions of jawbones—— Emphasis on odontogenic tumors” by Professor Yasunori Takeda, Dept. of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Iwate Medical University. “MR Imaging of jawbone lesions ——Comparison with CT——. By Professor Takashi Kaneda, Dept. of Oral Radiology, Nihon University, School of Dentistry at Matudo.

  The 184th meeting of Kanto (East Japan) district of JSOMR was held at Kanagawa Dental College, Yokosuka City chaired by Professor Isamu Kashima on March 25, 2000. Eight scientific papers as well as 2 imaging interpretations were presented. Educational lecture titled "Implementing PBL (Problem-Based Learning) in Oral Radiology teaching, a 3-year experience in the School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University” was given by Dr. Curtis SK Chen.

    The Joint Conference with the 185th Kanto and Kitanihon (North Japan) was held at Tsurumi University, School of Dental Medicine chaired by Professor Akira Yamamoto. Sixteen scientific papers were presented.

    The 3rd Asian Congress of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Radiology (ACOMFR) was held at Beijing, China on July 7 through 9 chaired by Professor Xu Chen Ma. The Congress was quite satisfactory and successful. Next ACOMFR will be held at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China on June 14 ~ 16, 2002 chaired by Professor Li-Min Lin.

Kanji KISHI
kishi@dent.okayama-u.ac.jp

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Salutations from the U.S.A

    We are all excitedly preparing for the Annual Session of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial radiology which takes place this year in Nashville, Tennessee from November 8 -12, 2000. The following information was supplied by Kevin O”Carroll  Nashville is known as Music City, USA, the country music capital of the US. It is also the center of education, art, classical music, history, particularly civil war history. The meeting will be at the DoubleTree Nashville Hotel, Fourth Street in the heart of Downtown Nashville, which is two streets from the Second Street Historic District. “The District,” as it is called, borders the Cumberland River and consists of restored warehouses, many of which have been converted into restaurants, microbreweries and specialty shops, which should provide many hours of enjoyment to those who have the time to experience them. Somewhat over a mile from the DoubleTree is Centennial Park, which was built for the state Centennial in 1897. It contains a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Inside the Parthenon, for the State bicentennial, was constructed a 42-foot replica or the statue of the goddess Athena, which holds in its right hand a 6-foot statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The Parthenon is awe-inspiring. Also some miles away are a number of fine antebellum plantation houses and The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson.

    The former Houston Oilers football team (the Titans), have relocated to Nashville. For those who are fans, the weekends surrounding our meeting are home games. On November 5 the Titans play the Pittsburgh Steelers and on November 12 the Baltimore Ravens. The Stadium is just across the river from The District.

Transportation
    Upon arrival at Nashville International Airport, one can reach the DoubleTree Hotel either by taxi (approximately $15.00 one way) or by Gray Line Airport shuttle, which departs from the Ground Level Transportation area of the airport for downtown every 15 minutes.

    There is a ticket desk next to the car rental desks. There is no need to call or make reservations. For the return trip the hotel recommends reservations, even though they are not required. The phone numbers are (615) 275-1180 or (800) 669-9463. The fare is currently $9.00 one way or $16.00 round trip. For those driving, the hotel has parking. Interestingly, valet parking is only $10.00 per day which includes “in & out” privileges, whereas self-parking is $18.00 per day.

    Registration forms, which have been mailed to Academy members, can be obtained by request from the Executive Secretary, Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll, P. O. Box 55722, Jackson, MS 39296. He can also be contacted by telephone at (601) 984-6060, fax at (601) 984-6086, or e-mail at mocarroll@sod.umsmed.edu

    The DoubleTree Hotel is now part of the Hilton Group. Those with Hilton Honors cards or airline frequent flyer cards should show their cards upon registration at the hotel to be credited with points for both programs.

    The Meeting, under the chairmanship of Jim Geist, the Annual Session Committee has developed a fine program.

Continuing Education.

    Laurie Carter has developed an excellent Continuing Education Program, which will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. This year Mostafa Analoui will give a presentation on Digital Imagers: Principles and Quality Assessment, which we will not want to miss. In anticipation that some attendees might wish to arrive on Tuesday evening, we have arranged for a block of 35 rooms to be available that night.

    Under Laurie Carter’s direction, four Special Focus Groups have been developed on the following topics: Clinico-radiological Conference (similar to that presented last year by the CAOMR), Ethical Dilemmas in Radiography, Digital Subtraction, and Oral and Maxillofacia

    Radiology Practice. Each Special Focus Group will be presented once on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday afternoon, with the cases for the Clinico-radiological Conference to be different each day, so as not to spoil the anticipation for the Saturday attendees.

Exhibits.
    As a result of Ken Abramovitch’s efforts we hope to have more exhibits this year than previously, since recognition as a specialty has given us more exposure to potential exhibitors. We will have a continental breakfast served in the exhibit area at 7:00 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday mornings to encourage attendance at the exhibits.

Scientific Program
    The scientific program will be presented in three sessions. This year the Scientific Sessions will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, and will include a Poster Session on Thursday morning.

ABOMR
    The ABOMR will schedule its certifying examination before the academy meeting. An exceptionally large number of candidates is expected this year, necessitating a three-day examination. The recognition luncheon for the Diplomates who passed last year’s examination will be at noon on Thursday.

Social and Business Functions
    Emily Gibbs, has developed a wonderful outing on the Thursday evening this year. Experience Music City, The Athens of the South and the Wildhorse Saloon.
The Parthenon, a full-scale replica from the Acropolis, then to Vanderbilt’s University Club of Nashville for cocktails in the art gallery while enjoying the lighted atrium. Candlelight concert and dinner featuring the internationally-recognized Blair String Quartet from Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. The buses will return to the hotel, but, if you are ready for more... The Wildhorse Saloon. Bring your boots for scootin’ at the country music dance hall ... an opportunity to learn the latest in country line dancin’... Or for those who prefer to people watch, this is one of

Nashville’s greatest shows... You may even find yourself on The Nashville Network’s popular “Wildhorse Saloon Dance Show”... A unique evening only in Nashville!
The Academy’s Annual Business Meeting and luncheon will be at noon on Friday. Kodak has graciously agreed to host our cocktail reception again this year on Saturday evening, which is to be followed by the Annual Banquet.

Miscellaneous
    Each bedroom at the DoubleTree is equipped with a telephone with data port, ironing board and iron, hairdryer, and coffee maker. A swimming pool and exercise room are available, complimentary to hotel guests.

    Remember that the cost to the Academy for the use of meeting place varies depending on the number of hotel bedrooms occupied by our group. We can keep the cost of the meeting down if most of our attendees stay at the DoubleTree. We have received a very favorable room rate this year, $114.00 single or double occupancy. That rate will be available for three days before and three days after the meeting for those interested in spending additional time exploring Nashville and the surrounding area.

Neill Serman
Professor and Head, Division of Oral Radiology
School of Dentistry, Columbia University
630 West 168 Street
New York, N. Y., USA 10032
Telephone: 001 (212) 305-5674
Fax: 001 (718) 796-0400
E-mail: njs2@columbia.edu

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    The certifying examination of the American Board of Oral and  Maxillofacial Radiology will be held October 1 and 2, 2001 in Portland, Oregon.  Candidates must have completed a university-based or university-related advanced education program in the United States or
Canada.  This program must consist of the equivalent of at least two academic years of full time formal study and training in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.  Application materials must be received by April 2, 2001.

    For further information and application forms, contact: