08 • Career
Study the causes and effects of disease in the challenging specialty of oral and maxillofacial pathology
DIAGNOSISDETECT I
F YOU have a keen interest in academic study, want to know how and why diseases occur and like microscopy then the specialty of oral and maxillofacial pathology could be for you. Specialists study the causes and effects
of diseases of the mouth and jaws and their associated structures such as the salivary glands, ear, nose and throat. This largely takes the form of microscopic examination of biopsy and excision specimens and issuing a report with advice given on diagnosis and treatment. It may be one of the smallest dental specialties in the UK (less than 30 oral pathologists currently practise in the UK), but this varied and challenging field has a lot to offer, from diagnostic histopathology to teaching, research and administration.
Entry and training Those interested in undertaking oral and maxillofacial pathology (OMP) training should have completed one year of dental foundation training and at least one year of dental core
training or equivalent in secondary care in an appropriate related specialty. You should also have the FDS, MFDS or MJDF of the UK surgical royal colleges by examination or an equivalent qualification. Those without FDS, MFDS or MJDF can still access OMP training but will usually be expected to have an appropriate higher degree and/or appropriate experience in OMP or a related discipline. Satisfactory completion of the
histopathology curriculum usually takes five years, according to the Royal College of Pathologists. At least one year is spent in general pathology studying other body systems including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, soft tissues and haematology, and the remaining four years is spent studying oral and maxillofacial pathology. The award of a certificate of completion of specialist training (CCST) in OMP will be awarded after completion of: the OMP curriculum; a number of workplace- based assessments; the two-part fellowship examination of the Royal College of
Pathologists (FRCPath in oral and maxillofacial pathology); and acquisition of annual review of competence progression (ARCP) outcome six. Relevant research work undertaken after entering the training programme may also count towards the CCST. Clinicians then apply to be registered as a specialist with the General Dental Council. Despite the overlap between dentistry and medicine, a medical qualification is not required to practise as an oral pathologist. In addition to training within the specialty
there are many other teaching/learning methods trainees can undertake, including supervised experiential learning; online and virtual microscopy; regional/national training courses; discussion with biomedical scientists; and attachment to specialist departments.
The job According to the British Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (BSOMP), oral pathologists “like to get things right”. They are
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