So I know it’s a little late in the year for this as we’re closer to 2025 now.
Things overall remain steady. I feel like this year has been more stable than constant growth. Clients are telling me that they’ve noticed an overall slowing down in patient care. People have less money to spend and are more cautious on doing procedures.
My case load remains high and my website is doing fantastic. I still think that there is a lot of growth in the future of radiology.
Hello! I’m a general dentist with experience in the military and looking into applying for OMFR.
I understand that you’re in the field and I was wondering if you would mind if I picked your brain on how to best position myself to prepare a competitive application? Thank you very much for your time.
Hi. I am probably not the right venue for that. I’m not really in academia. I think having real life dental experience will help. But beyond that I don’t have any comment. I assume every program has some requirements.
Hi OMFR,
Thanks for all of the helpful information you post on this blog!
I’m a general practitioner with a few years of experience, currently trying to learn more about oral radiology. I would love to get your insight on the profession. By any chance, would you be able to email me a good contact email I can send some questions to that you can answer at your leisure? I really appreciate your time!
Thanks!
Hey Dr
I have tried to keep myself anonymous on this blog. If you have any questions I would be glad to answer on here. I am sure other docs also have the same questions. Some may have already been answered in the comments for other posts. This way everyone can get some knowledge about oral radiology.
Hi OMFR,
Thanks for your reply! I’d be happy to post my questions here.
1) What are the biggest factors that make you say that private practice OMFR has a lot of growth in its future?
2) How do you build a referral network in private practice? How do you convince practitioners that they need interpretation of imaging by an OMFR?
3) What are the biggest threats you see to the long-term viability of the profession?
4) What practice models do you see as being most likely to succeed in the future? Solo practitioner, group practice? Do you think corporate OMFR will become an issue?
Thank you again for your time.
1) Because of the growth of CBCT. New generations of docs will increasingly need to have these machines as the standard of care progresses. For example, most endodontists I work now will tell me they do not start any endodontic therapy without having a scan first. Why leave anatomy to guesswork when you can have a 3D visual of the tooth?
2) All my referrals have been word of mouth. So I’m probably not the best person to ask. But as with any business, marketing and advertisement. I have yet to have to market, but have been considering it.
3) AI, I guess? But even then most likely you will incorporate some AI in your practice, if it ever comes to that.
4) Just like any other field of dentistry, all of these forms will co-exist. Corporate radiology is already established in my opinion. There are large groups out there.
Hi OMFR,
Happy Monday! Thank you as always for teaching us a bit more about your profession.
Is there any way you could share about the private practice options for employment after graduating?
1) What does a “typical” private practice work setup look like for a generic OMFR new grad?
2) Where do you see most new grads gravitating – small private practices or larger groups? Could you share a bit about the range of practice styles out there?
3) How do most new grads find jobs?
4) How feasible is it to start an individual practice right out of school?
Have a great start to your week!
1) By setup, if you’re meaning equipment? I assume about the same as an experienced one. I have a computer, keyboard, mouse, screen, desk, office chair, and a home office. I only use one display, although some prefer multiple.
2) Probably both. I think getting a job at a private practice is hard off the bat, but the larger groups have standards set where you can get some experience. I recommend for everyone to open their own private practice regardless.
3) Your faculty here would be a great resource. That’s how I was introduced to my first job.
4) From a technical perspective, pretty easy. Getting clients in the beginning can be tough like any other specialty. You have to go out and meet people, let them know you exist and what services you offer. But once the ball gets rolling it’s not too bad.
Thank you for giving some clarification. As always, really appreciate the answers.
Are most of these jobs you’re describing remote? Is there ever an expectation of relocation in order to work in a private practice? I can see how it may be advantageous to be located close to the doctors who are referring to you.
As far as I’m aware most OMR work is remote. Unless you go academia I’m not aware of any jobs that require a location. Ones probably exit, but I’m personally not aware of any of them.
Hi OMFR,
If you can comment, what are your thoughts on the recent ABOMR developments and how they may impact the profession?
Thanks!
We finished a town hall earlier. Currently the specialty is still recognized but it seems that the examination board (ABOMR) is in some trouble. AAOMR is taking it very seriously, but my personal take is that I am concerned with the leadership. Tough questions were avoided.
I think in the end everything will workout, but cautiously should say that it is possible we lose specialty status. Which would be very bad.
Needless to say, everyone I have spoken with is incredibly angry about the situation.
I’m very sorry to hear about that – it must be an extremely unnerving situation.
Hope things will go in the right direction and the specialty will continue to thrive!