Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology
Oral Pathology/ Oral Microbiology/Oral Biology
The Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology came into existence in the year 2000. Initially it was named as Deptt of Oral and Dental Pathology which looked after Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology with functional OPD. The Department is involved in teaching of Ist, 2nd,3rd and Final yr BDS students. Students are taught subjects of Oral Embryology, Oral Pathology, Oral Histology, Oral Anatomy and Forensic Odontology. They are also taught interpretation of microscopic slides, diagnosis and reporting of biopsies and cytology. Students are encouraged to present case reports and seminars on various topics in different subjects
Key Aspects:
Oral pathology is the foundation subject on which the science of dentistry stands. It represents the confluence of basic sciences and clinical dentistry, covering the subjects of hematology, biochemistry, immunology, serology, microbiology, oncology, histopathology and cytopathology. The prevalence of oral cancer along with other head and neck pathologies is very high in India. Oral cancer is the third most common cancer and accounts for 30% of all malignancies in India. Furthermore, 7.8% of the global cancer burden is contributed by India. Head and neck pathologies constitute 30%–40% of all the cases arising for cytopathology and histopathology in any diagnostic laboratory on routine basis in various forms.
Collaboration: The department has collaboration with the Department of Oral Medicine where students examine patients for lesions and record cytological smears when required.
The Department is involved in teaching of following subjects:
DENTAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY : A foundational, mandatory first-year subject in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum in India, regulated by the DCI. The development, appearance, and classification of teeth is studied.. Tooth formation before birth, and the teeth's eventual morphology is dictated during this time. Dental anatomy is also a taxonomical science: it is concerned with the naming of teeth and the structures of which they are made, this information serving a practical purpose in dental treatment. It includes:
Tooth Morphology: Study of crowns, roots, cusps, ridges, fossae, and cervical lines.
Development: Stages of tooth development, calcification, and eruption schedules.
Dentition: Differences between deciduous (temporary) and permanent teeth.
Terminology: Specific nomenclature for tooth surfaces and features (e.g., mamelons, cingulum).
Clinical Significance: Application in restorative dentistry (crowns, fillings), endodontics, and orthodontics
ORAL HISTOLOGY: It is the microscopic study of teeth and surrounding oral tissues, including enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. It covers tooth development (odontogenesis), enamel formation (amelogenesis), and structural composition. Key hard tissues include hydroxyapatite-based enamel (96% mineral) and collagen-based dentin (70% mineral), crucial for understanding clinical dentistry. It includes:
Tooth Development: Covers stages of odontogenesis including the bud stage, cap stage (outer enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum, inner enamel epithelium), and bell stage (addition of stratum intermedium).
Dental Tissues: Detailed study of enamel, dentin, cementum (hard tissues), and pulp (soft tissue).
ORAL PATHOLOGY A specialized field of pathology dealing with the diseases of oral cavity and its associated structures (i.e., teeth, tongue; bony tissue [maxilla and mandible]; joint [temporomandibular joint]; lymph nodes; nerves; structures in neck and blood vessels of the ear, nose and throat [pharynx and larynx]).
The Dental Council of India (DCI) recognizes Oral Pathology and Microbiology as one of the dental specialites. This field bridges basic science and clinical dentistry by focusing on the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY The Dental Council of India (DCI) officially incorporated forensic odontology into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum in 2007, mandating its study in the 3rd and final year. It is primarily taught within oral pathology focusing on identification, age estimation, and disaster victim identification.
Curriculum Integration: The revised 2007 BDS regulations introduced forensics to build foundational knowledge, although it is not yet a separate specialty PG course in all institutions.
Scope: Forensic odontology focuses on identifying unknown human remains, bitemark analysis, and age estimation in legal and disaster scenarios.
DCI Focus: The DCI emphasizes enhancing dental education standards, recently updating curricula to include specialized forensic knowledge and improving forensic medicine training.
BDS Curriculum
Students are admitted from across the country as well as NRI candidates through transparent centralized admission process.
One on one teaching, mentorship, & group discussions are encouraged.
Students will make models, posters, perform skits and role play related to the academics
Student performance is assessed throughout the academic year via periodic internal assessments as well as at the end with a model exam in both theory and practical's. Learning outcomes are regularly evaluated.
Routine Student feedbacks are obtained and are reviewed on a timely manner.
Syllabus - As per Dental Council Of India norms
PROGRAMMES:
Objectives: The goal of the course is for students to become proficient in diagnosing diseases through biopsies and cytology.
APPLIED ASPECTS
The practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology & oral microbiology includes diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, hematological, biochemical, microbiological, immunological, ultrastructural or other molecular/genetic examinations.
According to the Medical Council of India (MCI), dentistry is one of the recognized branches of modern scientific medicine and taught during Phase III of MBBS curriculum as a part of surgery. Dentistry is the 29th broad medical specialty as per National Medical Commission (NMC), Teachers Eligibility Qualifications in Medical Institutions Regulations, 2022. As per the Dental Council of India (DCI), oral pathology and microbiology is one of the nine recognized specialties under dentistry. Like other branches of pathology, oral & maxillofacial pathology is also a recognized international specialty of pathology.
Vision & Mission
To maintain standard of excellence in academics, high quality scientific research and patient services
To work for Academic Excellence & creating a positive environment for creative thinking for the students
To inculcate self-discipline, good theoretical knowledge regarding Head and neck diseases and practical/clinical skills
To motivate interest among students in interdepartmental research activities, and also social service.
The goal of the department is to provide basic knowledge of Normal Dental Anatomy and Histology and the changes in normal pattern, for understanding of the oral disease.
To transform the nature of dental education and practice in ways that can improve the way we can serve community.
