FAQs – Oral Pathology & Microbiology

Q. Why Oral Pathology?
A. The practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (OMP) entails both clinical and laboratory components. Many oral pathologists regularly treat patients in a clinical setting for a variety of diseases of the maxillofacial complex, in addition to the examination of biopsies with a microscope. The responsibilities of an oral and maxillofacial pathologist are to diagnose and manage diseases that affect the face, mouth, and jaws.

Q. What are the differences between an oral pathologist and a general pathologist?
A. A general surgical pathologist is an individual who has graduated from medical college and completed a postgraduation in surgical pathology, often later enrolling in a postgraduate fellowship to gain further expertise in a specific field of pathology. An oral pathologist is a graduate of a dental college who has completed postgraduation specifically in oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Q. What are the career options once one has become oral and maxillofacial pathologist?
A. The certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist can pursue a career in hospitals, academic and military health centers, and private practice. This includes practicing within a biopsy service and/or clinic, teaching, and research.