State-of-the-Art Dental Imaging Comes to St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre

Jamaica Live News Desk| July 27, 2025

St. Ann, Jamaica — In a major boost for dental care services in Jamaica, the St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre has received a cutting-edge Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanner, a transformative piece of equipment that will revolutionize diagnosis and treatment planning in the parish and surrounding areas.

The new dental imaging system, which provides 3D scans of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures, was officially handed over through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the European Union. The initiative falls under the broader mission to modernize Jamaica’s public health infrastructure with advanced technology that supports accurate diagnosis and improved patient care.

“This is more than just a machine—it’s a step toward world-class dental healthcare for the people of St. Ann,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton.

What is a Cone Beam CT Scanner?

A CBCT scanner, also known as a Cone Beam scan, is a highly specialized 3D X-ray machine designed for use in dentistry and oral surgery. Unlike traditional 2D X-rays, which only offer flat images, the CBCT delivers high-resolution 3D views that allow clinicians to examine a patient’s mouth from every angle—ideal for complex procedures like:

• Dental implants
• Orthodontic treatment planning
• Wisdom tooth and oral surgery evaluations
• Root canal analysis
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders
• Sleep apnea airway assessments

The scanner uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam that rotates around the patient’s head to capture hundreds of images in a single scan. These images are then reconstructed by a computer into a detailed 3D model, allowing for unparalleled accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.

Why It Matters

The CBCT scanner not only delivers precision and efficiency, but also exposes patients to less radiation compared to traditional CT scans. With scanning times lasting only seconds, it ensures a safer, faster, and more comfortable experience for patients while dramatically improving clinical outcomes.

Health officials in St. Ann say the addition of the scanner will significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to Kingston for advanced imaging services and will speed up treatment timelines.

A Step Forward for Public Health

This latest investment underlines Jamaica’s continued push to modernize and digitize public health care, ensuring rural and urban communities alike have access to the best tools in modern medicine. It also reinforces the power of international partnerships in building resilient healthcare systems.

As the CBCT scanner goes into operation, dental teams at the St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre are already being trained to use the technology—ushering in a new era of precision dentistry for Northern Jamaica.