Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Josh Landers, Ph.D., D.P.T., P.T., CSCS, Chair of Biomedical Sciences at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (Lyon College SDM), has published a new case report calling on dentists to play a proactive role in identifying potential stroke risk factors through panoramic radiographs.

The article, co-authored with Burke Soffe, D.M.D., M.Ed., Founding Dean of Lyon College SDM, and John Teed, D.D.S., Assistant Professor at Lyon College SDM, and published in International Clinical Medical Case Reports Journal, examines a case of Eagle syndrome, a rare condition involving ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, and its association with carotid artery plaque.

“Dentists are uniquely positioned to detect early signs of Eagle syndrome and collaborate with medical professionals to prevent serious outcomes. This study shines a light on the importance of dentists reviewing every panoramic radiograph for signs of stylohyoid ligament ossification,” Dr. Landers said.

The publication emphasizes Lyon College SDM’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and public health education, aligning with Lyon College’s goal of preparing practice-ready dentists who can engage with broader health care concerns.

“Dentists are reviewing panoramic radiographs on a daily basis and can play a pivotal role in identifying potential risk factors. This work reinforces the idea that dentists are frontline healthcare providers.” Dr. Soffe said. “Our students are trained not only to restore teeth but to recognize systemic conditions that may appear in the oral and maxillofacial region. Research like this is exactly the kind of scholarship that supports a more integrated approach to patient health.”

The article, titled “Ossified Stylohyoid Ligament Associated with Carotid Artery Plaque and a Call to Action for Dentists—A Case Report," is available as open access in the journal’s April 2025 issue.

In June, Dr. Landers published original research from a randomized controlled human trial, revealing that participants performing blood flow restriction exercise exhibited markedly higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein critical to slowing age-related cognitive decline, when compared to work-matched controls.

Building on those findings, he has received acceptance for a systematic review that synthesizes emerging evidence of blood flow restriction exercise training to neuroprotective benefits across multiple studies.

Dr. Landers now looks forward to engaging Lyon College SDM students in exploring how the mouth-body connection extends to overall health, reinforcing the school's commitment to whole-patient care.

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine opened on June 30, seating an inaugural class of 80 students.

For more information, please visit the school's website.

About Lyon College

Lyon College, a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1872, is the oldest college in the state of Arkansas with its original charter. Ranked by US News & World Report as a 2024 "Best College," Lyon College currently enrolls approximately 660 students from more than 30 states and 18 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 25 majors, as well as pre-professional, individualized options and select graduate programs. Learn more at lyon.edu. 

Courtesy of Lyon College School of Dental Medicine