As medical professionals, we carry many responsibilities on our shoulders. One of these responsibilities includes looking at the totality of imaging when taking it. That means if you are taking a CBCT, you are responsible for reading and interpreting the full image, even if you are only looking at one area.

If there is pathology within the image that you do not review or report on, you are liable for missing that on imaging. So, let’s discuss how Beam Readers works for screenings and how to ensure that you are in the clear before making treatments when you notice abnormalities, such as supernumerary teeth.


When performing this imaging, it is crucial to get radiology read by a licensed OMR or maxillofacial radiologist to sign off on treatment in the presence of abnormalities on imaging. Going through this extra step is essential for making sure that you are clear to move forward and make sure that these reports are given to you in writing. This is important because if something happens down the line, you deferred to the person who is more experienced than you, and that was the proper course of action decided at that time.

You may not be qualified to do so or may not have OMR resources in your area, which is why Beam Readers is an option for reviewing CBCTs and other dental imaging. Using Beam Readers is a quick way to ensure you begin treatment safely. Beam Readers is an online service capable of performing these readings and reviews for about $50-100. They have 60 OMRs on staff in addition to other imaging techs who can answer your orthodontic questions and review in all 50 U.S. states and Canada. For specific questions, pricing can be a little over $100, but they also have bulk and high-volume pricing available.