An interview done withDr. Manal Al-Sheddi

Associate Professor & Consultant Maxillofacial Pathologist. KSU, College of Dentistry

What is the difference of being an oral pathologist than being in other dental fields?

“Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a specialty of dentistry that deals with diagnosis as well as management of oral and maxillofacial diseases. A specialty that bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry.”

What is the nature of an oral pathologist work?

“Oral and maxillofacial pathologists spend most of their time in the laboratory. They receive the biopsy specimens taken from patients and prepare them for processing and final reporting. They are also involved in patient assessment and diagnosis clinics.  They might be involved in research too.”

Where can pathologist usually be found? 

“You can find pathologist in pathology department in hospital as well as academic institutions. However, most oral and maxillofacial pathologist work in academic institutions.”

How can oral pathology affect dental field?

“Oral and maxillofacial pathology is corner stone specialty in dentistry. Dental graduates should have good understanding of pathogenesis of different diseases affecting the mouth and teeth. They should be able to diagnose and make good differential diagnosis and be able to interpret a final pathology report. These skills are basic and essential for every practicing dentist. it is the oral and maxillofacial pathology specialty that provides them with such skills and knowledge.”

Is there a deference between being a general pathologist or being a dental pathologist?

“Yes there are differences, general pathologist carries medical degree and eligible to diagnose lesions from any part of the body and there are many subspecialties in general pathology such as ENT, bone and soft tissues, dermatopathology and hematopathology. Oral and maxillofacial pathologist are graduates of dental schools and their scope of work is limited to lesions affecting oral and maxillofacial area.”

What would be expected in the future revolution regarding oral pathology?

“Oral and maxillofacial pathology involves research, and I expect major contribution of the specialty in research the future. Researches that are based on stem cells and translational researches will lead in the future for the treatment of oral and dental diseases.”

Finally, if someone interested in pathology, How can they become an oral Pathologist?

“To become an oral and maxillofacial pathologist you need to complete at least three years of residency program in the specialty. It is comprised of training in general pathology, clinical pathology, and oral medicine in addition to oral pathology. I always recommend that those who wants to be pathologist to spend some time in the laboratory to understand the actual practice of the specialty.  There are different postgraduate programs offered by different university in the world. You should be aware that not all of them would provide you with the needed training to be competent pathologist. Look for accrediate and good programs and ask experts in the field.”