50 Shades of Gray - Defining Radiolucency in Practice.

Credit Details
This electronically delivered self-instructional program is designated for 1.25 hours of CE credit by Farran Media.
AGD Code: 730.

The fee to view this course is $36. This cost includes the fee to take the exam and claim your CE credits.

Synopsis:
Correctly reading radiographs is essential in daily practice. As a dentist, reading an X-ray along with proper medical and dental histories, along with performing diagnostic tests helps narrow down the differential diagnosis of lesions. While not all radiolucencies need biopsies or referrals, knowing when and to refer to a specialist is imperative for the health of the patient and the health of the practice.

According to the CDC, in 2019, about 66 percent of adults had a dental visit within a 12-month period. Dentists are the ideal professionals to help screen for oral cancer. Oral cancer cases have been increasing in the past few decades and more than 54,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the U.S. The mortality rate is 50–90 percent within five years. Dentists are more than cavity hunters—they are at the forefront of screening and diagnosing these cases.

This course will cover some commonly seen radiolucencies and discuss oral cancer. Learn proper screening, treatment protocols and patient management. The discussion includes predisposing conditions of cancer, understanding prevention and providing patient education.

Learn why there has been an increased incidence of oral cancer, especially in the younger population. This course includes a review of recent studies that aim in creating more informed clinicians.

Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the distinctions between normal and abnormal radiolucencies.
• Identify common radiolucencies.
• Learn essential diagnostic tests.
• Know when and to whom to refer patients to.
• Learn the signs, symptoms, treatment modalities and the importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer.
• Be able to screen for oral cancer during oral exams using visual and tactile methods.

Description of Speaker:
Dr. Parul Dua Makkar earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma— magna cum laude—in 1999. In 2003, she completed a DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She practiced in Alberta, Canada before moving to New York where she completed a GPR training at Staten Island University Hospital in 2007. She has been in private practice since. Currently, she is the owner of PDM Family Dental in Long Island, NY, a place she resides with her husband and two boys. Makkar's life took a different trajectory when she lost her only sibling to oral cancer, Dr. Manu Dua, who was also a dentist. Since his death, she devotes her time to educating doctors and patients alike about risk factors, prevention and advocating for early diagnosis of oral cancer. She has co-authored several articles in dental journals, presented and lectured, and actively hosts a podcast. She believes oral care is the gateway to overall well-being and aims to have open conversations with her patients. She is the recipient of the Denobi Awards 2022 as well as LI Excellence in Healthcare 2022, Power Woman of Long Island 2022 and has been awarded Outstanding Women’s Achievement Award by Indian American Forum 2023. “Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide,” a book she co-authored, won the CIPA EVVY award for motivational/inspirational books. For more information, visit parulduamakkar.com.

Disclosure:
In the past 12 months, the lecturer/author declares that neither he/she nor any member of his/her family have a financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any commercial entities nor have been paid directly by dentists and other health professionals within the field of dentistry or health care.

Legal Disclaimer:
The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider, however, does not independently verify the content or materials. The CE provider does not represent that the instructional materials are error-free or that the content or materials are comprehensive. Any opinions expressed in the materials are those of the author of the materials and not the CE provider. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not provide sufficient information to qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or in any specific technique or procedure. The instructional materials are intended to supplement, but are not a substitute for, the knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment of a trained health care professional.

Licensure:
Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each registrant to verify the CE requirements of his/her licensing or regulatory agency.

State CE Requirements:
Click Here for CE requirements by state. Please note that this information is current as of the time of listing. This information is subject to change at any time from the state boards. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your state board directly.

Refund Policy
There are no refunds for Online CE courses. Please contact technical support if you run into technical difficulty.

For any questions, please contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at nareg@farranmedia.com