Oral Pathologists

What is Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine?

An ORAL PATHOLOGIST is a specialist trained in the nature, diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial disease.

It is a science that investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research, diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical or other examinations, and management of patients.
An oral pathologist is a dentist who has successfully completed 2 more years or specialty dental education beyond dental school.

Why would I be referred to and Oral Pathologist?

Your dentist may refer you to an ORAL PATHOLOGIST for diagnosis of oral ulcers, lesions, or joint disorders. Biopsies are frequently sent oral pathologists for diagnosis, usually on a microscopic level.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, the pathologist may require radiographs (x-rays), blood tests, smears, or biopsies.

An ORAL PATHOLOGIST may often collaborate with an ORAL and MAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGIST when making a diagnosis.