Elements of a didactic syllabus to teach an optional imaging subject in Dentistry

Background: the uses of images in the dental practice are numerous, for the diagnosis, planning, management of the treatment of oral diseases and the progress of the patients.Objective: to devise a didactic syllabus to contribute to the teaching-learning process of medical imaging in the specialty of Dentistry, through an optional subject.Methods: a development research was carried out in the specialty of Dentistry of "Dr. Zoilo E. Marinello Vidaurreta" Faculty of Medical Sciences of University of Medical Sciences of Las Tunas, from September to November 2017, to design the didactic syllabus declared in the objective. Theoretical and empirical methods were used in the study.Results: the syllabus was developed with five thematic units that deal with different knowledge systems. The first unit explains the basic aspects of the historical background, nature and properties of X-rays. The second unit deals with the harmful action of X-rays, the clinical manifestations of harmful effects, somatic and genetic effects, physical means of protection for the patient and the professional and radiological principles. The third unit contains the main intraoral and extraoral methods, indications, limitations and contraindications. The fourth unit covers the radiographic interpretation. Finally, the syllabus includes an update on imaging techniques. A fist version of the subject was taught.Conclusions: a didactic syllabus on the use of medical imaging was developed to be implemented as an optional course in the major of Dentistry.