Webinar Wednesday - Early detection of temporomandibular joint arthritis in children at the point of care by ultrasound augmented with artificial intelligence

Accessible, cheaper and safer imaging is needed to diagnose and treat TMJ arthritis early to avoid the costs, delays and need for sedation related to MRI images, which is used to diagnose this condition. Ultrasound is safer, more comfortable for children and cheaper for the health system. Not to mention, its portability that allows its use in diverse health care facilities, including rural communities and remote areas. However, the challenge is that US requires significant training and expertise to interpret the images. Therefore, we want to develop an artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis tool to be integrated to a portable handheld ultrasound to help screening TMJ arthritis in children. For this, we will scan the joint of children diagnosed with arthritis in the main children`s hospital of Alberta. These images will then be used to develop the AI assisted image-analysis tool. This innovative tool will overcome existing barriers and improve health by advancing digital health.

Presented by:

Fabiana Almeida 

Fabiana Almeida is a clinical researcher and Assistant Professor at the School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. She completed her dental degree and specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in Brazil, alongside an MSc and PhD in Health Sciences—Oral Diagnosis. 

Her research focuses on imaging and new technologies—particularly Ultrasound and Artificial Intelligence—in the diagnosis process in Dentistry. She started working with Ultrasound in 2017 during her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta, where she investigated the potential of Ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in Dentistry—particularly for assessing jaw joint disorders and the tissues supporting teeth. Dr Almeida was part of a multidisciplinary team that developed an innovative intraoral ultrasound device for chairside diagnostic use in Dentistry. In addition, she has led the development of an AI model to assist in identifying jaw joint disorders in MRI scans. Her work aims to improve the diagnosis process through the integration of emerging technologies in imaging.

Earn One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Content from the webinar aligns with Core Health Informatics Topics.

Webinar Wednesday attendance is one of the benefits of Digital Health Canada Membership. Not a member yet? Join Digital Health Canada to enjoy Webinar Wednesdays and other benefits of membership.