An oral and maxillofacial radiologist (OMR) is a dentist with advanced specialty training in diagnostic radiology. OMR requires postdoctoral training.

Graduate students in oral radiology will gain advanced knowledge regarding the acquisition and interpretation of radiographic images of the maxillofacial region, radiation biology, and radiation physics.

The University of Toronto is the only Canadian dental school that offers OMFR graduate studies, and there are currently nine training programs in the United States.

The different levels of training available for Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology include:

• Certificate programs (2-2.5 years)
• Master’s Degree programs (3 years)
• PhD programs (~5 years)

After completing a graduate program, one must successfully complete the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) to attain licensure for practice in Canada. While there is also an American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (ABOMR) exam, it is not required to practice in Canada or the United States as a specialist.

If you are interested in a career in oral and maxillofacial radiology, the first point of contact to consider would be the oral radiologist at your dental school. If you want to shadow or speak with an OMR who practices in your area, you may look them up using our member directory.

Links to OMFR Graduate Specialty Programs

• University of Toronto
• Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine
• Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
• University of Florida
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Washington
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Connecticut
• University of Iowa
• University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio