Course in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Oral and Maxillofacial pathology is that branch of science which deals with the nature of the diseases affecting the oral adjacent regions, through study of their causes, process and effecting, together with the associated alterations of the oral structure and function. The practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology includes the development and application of this knowledge through research and the use of clinical, microscopic, radiographic biochemical or others such laboratory examination or procedures as may be required to established a diagnosis and or/ gain other information necessary to maintain the health of the patient, or to correct the result of the structural or functional changes produced by alterations from the normal. It occupies a unique position in the health care community for both the dental and medical profession. Likewise such knowledge is also important for those in the medical profession especially those who specialize in such areas such as otolaryngology. Dermatology and pathology.

Activities

Teaching of undergraduate students;




Dental Anatomy and Histology at the II BDS level where details about the morphology of the teeth, embryological aspects regarding the development of the face and related structures, development of teeth and the basic histology of these structures are taught.




Oral Pathology at the III BDS level. Students are trained theoretically and practically to be equipped to understand the pathogenesis, clinical features, radiographic features, histological features, treatment and prognosis of various diseases.




Histopathology and Cytology. This unit undertakes research and diagnosis in pathology related to all major diseases of the mouth, face and salivary glands. It provides specialist services to the maxillofacial surgical department. The department utilizes a research microscope with an image analysis system and polarizing capabilities.




Areas of Specific interest of the department are Premalignancy, Oral cancer and cysts and tumors of odontogenic origin.

The department is on the verge of initiating post- graduate programmes in the speciality.