The Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist: The Dentist Behind the Microscope

Abstract

Lots of people think that all dentists use little mirrors and loud tools like dental drills, but there is a type of dentist who does not need these things: the oral and maxillofacial pathologist. Can you believe that oral pathologists do not actually treat the teeth or even meet the patient? The oral pathologist receives a tiny piece of tissue from the patient, usually obtained through a small surgery called a biopsy. Then, a super tiny slice of that tissue is prepared and placed on a glass slide, and the oral pathologist looks at it through a microscope to figure out what disease the patient might have. This information is important to give the patient the right treatment. Do you want to learn more about this process and about the healthcare professional who does not meet the patient face-to-face? Keep reading to find out all these answers and more!