Henry Ford Health System

John Craig is an Otolaryngologist at Henry Ford Health System. By leveraging his 15 years of expertise and industry knowledge, he has been instrumental in driving innovative changes in the treatment of ODS. His expertise lies in rhinoplasty, and adequately handles both surgical and non[1]surgical conditions of the nose, perinasal sinuses, and skull based.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER JOURNEY SO FAR AND YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES HENRY FORD HEALTH?

I began my career working as otolaryngologist at surgical residency of State University of New York Upstate Medical University for five years. After that I pursued a subspecialty fellowship in Rhinoplasty from University of Pennsylvania and joined Henry Ford health. I have been working here for eight years as rhinologist and handle both surgical and non-surgical conditions of the nose, perinasal sinuses, and skull base, which is the bone separating the sinuses from the brain cavity.

HOW CAN WE ENHANCE THE AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF ODONTOGENIC SINUSITIS (ODS) AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS?

The odontogenic sinusitis is a condition that is often overlooked by clinicians and dentists. It is caused by infectious sinusitis that primarily affects the cheek sinus and spreads to other sinuses, even effecting the brain. One of its prime causes is dental issues. If sinus surgeons fail to identify the dental source, the standard sinusitis treatment will not work, leading to severe consequences like vision loss. The success of this treatment is totally dependent on recognizing the symptoms and addressing the dental source.

ARE THERE ANY RECENT METHODS TO TREAT AND DIAGNOSE ODS?

In 2021, I along with a group of 17 authors worldwide, released an international consensus statement to diagnose ODS. The confirmation of infectious dental source with specialists using high-resolution dental region imaging is necessary to provide the right treatment. Nasal endoscopy is the most preferred scans recommended to yield the right results.

In some cases, it would involve infected teeth without pain, sometimes hidden by healthy[1]looking teeth. The treatment that are suggested will totally depend on whether the dental source is treatable or not. If ODS is causing discomfort, immediate sinus surgery is suggested followed by dental treatment. However, 10 to 15 percent of ODS patients are asymptomatic, and it will also need constant monitoring and may require surgery if the infection persists.

HOW DO YOU FORESEE THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE, SPECIFICALLY IN TERMS OF IMPROVING CARE DELIVERY FOR PATIENTS WITH ODS?

Today, patients suffer due to delays in treatment, but with streamlined healthcare we can offer better outcomes. I believe a significant improvement would come from better communication and coordination between medical and dental providers. I am currently focusing on dental research to identify the most effective treatments for each condition, which would lead to more efficient and affordable care.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT WILL BE THE ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO IMPART TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AND FELLOW PEERS IN THE INDUSTRY?

I believe staying curious and asking questions is crucial. As a clinician, I consider focusing on patients and seeking optimal treatment interventions and outcomes brings fulfilment. Despite administrative and political issues, prioritizing patient care is rewarding.