A professor at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (LCSDM) is urging dentists nationwide to recognize their critical role in identifying early signs of serious medical conditions—specifically stroke risk—through routine dental imaging.
Dr. Josh Landers, chair of biomedical sciences at LCSDM, co-authored a newly published case report in the International Clinical Medical Case Reports Journal, alongside Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean, and Dr. John Teed, assistant professor at LCSDM.
The article, titled “Ossified Stylohyoid Ligament Associated with Carotid Artery Plaque and a Call to Action for Dentists – A Case Report,” explores a rare condition known as Eagle syndrome. The report highlights how panoramic dental radiographs can reveal ossification of the stylohyoid ligament—a condition potentially linked to dangerous carotid artery plaque buildup and increased stroke risk.
“Dentists are uniquely positioned to detect early warning signs of Eagle syndrome during routine imaging,” said Dr. Landers. “By reviewing every panoramic radiograph with diligence, dental professionals can help identify patients at risk and potentially save lives.”
Dr. Soffe emphasized the broader impact of the study on public health and dental education:
“This reinforces the fact that dentists are not just treating teeth—they’re frontline healthcare providers. At LCSDM, we prepare students to recognize systemic issues that may present in the head and neck region.”
The publication reflects Lyon College’s mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and promote whole-patient care. LCSDM officially opened its doors on June 30, 2025, with an inaugural class of 80 students and a vision to integrate dental education with broader health care concerns.
Dr. Landers, a leading voice in biomedical research at LCSDM, has also recently published a randomized controlled trial showing that blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise leads to significantly increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein critical to cognitive health and the prevention of age-related decline. Building on that study, he has also completed a systematic review on BFR training’s neuroprotective effects.
With a strong commitment to research, teaching, and public service, Dr. Landers hopes to inspire a new generation of dentists to embrace the vital role they play in early detection of systemic conditions.
“Our goal is to train dentists who see the full picture—oral health, yes, but also how it connects to brain health, heart health, and beyond,” he said.
The full case report is available in the journal’s April 2025 issue via open access.
