Meet Dr. Bill Harrell

His interest in 3D imaging began around in the early 1980s on an Atari computer when a dental colleague who had been working on 3D ‘stereoscopic’ video games invited Dr. Harrell to his basement to see what he had been working on. He saw that the Atari computer was laying on its rear-end instead of sitting upright. His colleague handed him a pair of tethered liquid crystal glasses to wear and said, “watch this.” What he saw amazed him: a ‘floor’ began to rise off the computer screen; it parted and an airplane began flying around the screen sticking up off the screen like a hologram. Then he saw people walking around upright on the screen.

Dr. Harrell immediately saw the advantage of creating this type of 3D visualization for patient/parent consults, so they could see how their real 3D anatomy looks. He also knew it would also help him make more accurate diagnoses since the 3D stereoscopic images showed the depth of the 3D figures, not just a flat plane 2D image.

In 1992, Dr. Harrell filed for and was funded by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to study the possibility of creating 3D tracings from a calibrated set of 2D lateral and frontal cephalometric images and a stereoscopic set of facial images. By using calibrated frontal and lateral cephalographs and creating epipolar lines, he could create 3D geometric lines, connecting landmarks of anatomy and determine their 3D locations in space. We were able to create a stereoscopic cephalometric tracing that could be rotated and, using the liquid crystal glasses, had visual depth.

Dr. Harrell continued to be fascinated by the whole concept of stereo/binocular vision and he intended to apply the idea of stereoscopic vision as a diagnostic tool in orthodontics. When 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was introduced in the US in 2001, Dr. Harrell immediately recognized the potential of 3D facial imaging and 3D CBCT in improving diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Dr. Harrell’s practice in Alexander City, Alabama, was the first in the state to do 3-D imaging and the first in the US to combine it with 3D facial imaging.

In addition to incorporating it into his own practice, he began speaking at industry conferences, publishing articles and chapters, presenting seminars and collaborating with colleagues across the country to promote this technology. He continued investigating and upgrading his practice’s 3D diagnostic tools and exploring ways to achieve anatomic truth in other areas such as TMJ, airway obstruction, sleep disorders, and early detection of airway biomarkers on the face. He now focuses most of his practice on educating patients, consumers, peers, and other medical professionals on the importance of early detection of airway issues and on holistic, collaborative treatment plans.

As a result of his persistent exploration and study of airway, breathing, and sleep disorders, Dr. Harrell is a recognized expert on diagnosing and treating these conditions. His motto— “Breath is Life”—is an appropriate reflection of what has become his professional and personal passion. In addition to his own practice, Dr. Harrell is actively involved in creating outreach programs designed to bring early detection, diagnosis, and treatment to communities and schools across the USA. He also consults with other health care practices about how to incorporate 3D imaging technology to address patient needs and create additional revenue streams.