FAQ
What is an oral and maxillofacial pathologist (OMP)?An oral and maxillofacial pathologist is a dentist, who after graduation from Dental School
continued training in a three year Oral Pathology Training Program. OMPs specialize in the
microscopic, radiologic and clinical diagnosis of pathologic conditions which affect the oral
and maxillofacial area. Many oral and maxillofacial pathologists are actively engaged in research.
Which colleagues refer patients to oral and maxillofacial pathologists?
Because oral and maxillofacial pathologists function in both the surgical pathology laboratory
and in clinical settings, they continually interact with a wide variety of medical and dental
specialists. The following list includes, but is not limited to some of the health care providers
with whom oral and maxillofacial pathologists work closely.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
General Dentists
Endodondists
Periodontists
Pediatric Dentists
General Pathologists
Otolaryngologists/Head and Neck Surgeons
Infectious Disease Specialists
Internists
Dermatologists
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
General Dentists
Endodondists
Periodontists
Pediatric Dentists
General Pathologists
Otolaryngologists/Head and Neck Surgeons
Infectious Disease Specialists
Internists
Dermatologists
What services do oral and maxillofacial pathologists provide?
A – Surgical Oral Pathology
Many oral pathologists participate in oral and maxillofacial biopsy services. In this setting, the oral pathologists perform the microscopic interpretation of biopsies from the oral and maxillofacial area submitted by dentists, dental specialists and physicians. Oral pathologists are uniquely trained to diagnose biopsy specimens removed from the jawbones, oral soft tissues, and perioral skin, since they are the only pathologists who have the comprehensive and highly specialized training in both dentistry and pathology which that facilitates their understanding of the particular characteristics of oral and maxillofacial disease. For example, an awareness of the embryological processes of odontogenesis is essential for the accurate diagnosis of odontogenic tumors of the jawbones, while knowledge of the embryologic development of the maxillofacial processes is essential for proper diagnosis of fissural cysts. In addition, there are many inflammatory conditions unique to the oral cavity that are secondary to dental infection and the presence of dental appliances. A number of these benign reactive conditions can be mistaken for malignant processes by pathologists who do not have specific training in maxillofacial disease.
B - Clinical Oral Pathology
In addition to their microscopic skills, oral pathologists see patients in clinical settings evaluating them for such conditions as the oral manifestations of systemic diseases, mucous membrane diseases, drug reactions and premalignant conditions and oral cancer. The evaluation and treatment of facial pain syndromes and burning mouth syndrome is another area in which the OMP may be of service.
C – Education
OMPs are members of dental school faculties, medical school faculties and hospitals staffs. In these settings, they have the opportunity to impart their knowledge to dental students and dental auxiliaries, medical students, residents, attendings and patients. In addition, OMFPS are available to speak to local dental study groups. They also present at Review Course in Oral Pathology, Continuing Education Courses and Tobacco Cessation Courses.
Many oral pathologists participate in oral and maxillofacial biopsy services. In this setting, the oral pathologists perform the microscopic interpretation of biopsies from the oral and maxillofacial area submitted by dentists, dental specialists and physicians. Oral pathologists are uniquely trained to diagnose biopsy specimens removed from the jawbones, oral soft tissues, and perioral skin, since they are the only pathologists who have the comprehensive and highly specialized training in both dentistry and pathology which that facilitates their understanding of the particular characteristics of oral and maxillofacial disease. For example, an awareness of the embryological processes of odontogenesis is essential for the accurate diagnosis of odontogenic tumors of the jawbones, while knowledge of the embryologic development of the maxillofacial processes is essential for proper diagnosis of fissural cysts. In addition, there are many inflammatory conditions unique to the oral cavity that are secondary to dental infection and the presence of dental appliances. A number of these benign reactive conditions can be mistaken for malignant processes by pathologists who do not have specific training in maxillofacial disease.
B - Clinical Oral Pathology
In addition to their microscopic skills, oral pathologists see patients in clinical settings evaluating them for such conditions as the oral manifestations of systemic diseases, mucous membrane diseases, drug reactions and premalignant conditions and oral cancer. The evaluation and treatment of facial pain syndromes and burning mouth syndrome is another area in which the OMP may be of service.
C – Education
OMPs are members of dental school faculties, medical school faculties and hospitals staffs. In these settings, they have the opportunity to impart their knowledge to dental students and dental auxiliaries, medical students, residents, attendings and patients. In addition, OMFPS are available to speak to local dental study groups. They also present at Review Course in Oral Pathology, Continuing Education Courses and Tobacco Cessation Courses.
How are clinical and microscopic oral pathology services reimbursed?
All oral pathology services, be they for the clinical services involved in evaluating a
patient, or for the microscopic diagnosis of oral biopsies and cytologic smears are covered
by medical insurance, using medical procedure codes. In some instances, where medical
insurance isn’t available, dental procedure codes exist which can be used for filing with
dental insurance. Many surgical pathology reports supply the ICD diagnosis code necessary
for proper filing of insurance claims.