Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Program Description: 

Considering the ever-increasing rate of progress in science all over the world and in Iran and 30 years after the establishment of specialty courses in dentistry in Iran, it seems it is absolutely necessary to revise the curricula of these courses. One of the branches of science which has become very important since the second half of the 20th century and is always expanding in scope in the dental field is the field of maxillofacial pathology. This field attempts to establish a logical relationship between the anatomical findings and signs of different medical conditions of the oral cavity and the adjacent tissues. On the other hand, it can be claimed that the field of maxillofacial pathology bears the burden of basic research in other specialties in dentistry. 

In this context, in order to comply with the developments made in other medical fields and promote the knowledge and practical skills of graduates in the field of maxillofacial pathology to national and international levels a committee was formed based on the guidelines of the Secretariat of Dental Specialty Courses, which consisted of the field’s veteran professors, executive managers and some young experts and specialists in this field to take the responsibility of revising the curriculum of oral and maxillofacial pathology specialty course. The members of the committee thoroughly evaluated the previous educational curriculum, evaluated the new requirements and needs by considering the boundaries of knowledge, asked for opinions of other professors, veterans and experts and prepared a new curriculum for the specialty course of oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Definition 

Oral and maxillofacial pathology is one of the specialty courses in dentistry, which incorporates knowledge about the etiology, the disease courses, and identification and reporting of microscopic changes (histopathology) in tissues affected by various disease entities. In fact, this specialty field attempts to establish a logical relationship between anatomical findings and the signs of different disease conditions affecting the oral cavity and the adjacent tissues and structures. In addition, a large number of basic research studies in different dental branches are carried out in this field. 

Graduates passing the specially exams held by the authorities of the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education will be certified as oral and maxillofacial pathology specialists.

Objectives:

     At the end of the program learners will be competent in the following skills:

• Histopathologic diagnosis of diseases, lesions, traumas, congenital defects, acquired infections, traumatic and developmental anomalies and benign and malignant neoplasms of the oral and maxillofacial region
• Ability to carry out research and teach in the relevant field
• Ability to relationship between anatomical and clinico-radiographic  findings and histopathologic features of different disease affecting the oral cavity and the adjacent tissues and structures

Duration:

The specialty course of oral and maxillofacial pathology lasts 3 years (6 semesters).