The diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases is the responsibility of an oral pathologist. To become an oral pathologist, dental students must complete dental school, obtain a dentist’s license, and complete an oral pathology residency at a university that offers such residencies. Following that, the dentist must obtain an oral pathologist certification, such as the one offered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in the United States. These certification exams typically last several days and cover a wide range of topics to ensure that the dentist is ready to treat patients as an oral pathologist.
Students can sit for the exam to become a dentist after graduating from dental school and earning either the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM). Students should inquire about application and testing procedures with their state dental board, as some states conduct proprietary exams while others offer regional exams through a third-party testing provider. After passing the exam, the student will be granted a license to practice dentistry, allowing him or her to use the title of dentist. Licensure will also enable the dentist to complete an oral pathology residency.
Following licensure, the dentist must apply for and be accepted into an oral pathology residency program, which is usually offered at major universities. Dentists who want to become oral pathologists must complete a three-year residency program. Depending on the university’s requirements, some students may choose to stay another year or so to pursue a PhD in oral pathology. After completing the residency, the dentist will be eligible to take the required certification exam to become an oral pathologist.
After completing the residency, the dentist must apply to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in the United States, or another approved relevant board if practicing in another country, for permission to take the certification exam. All aspects of oral pathology, including surgery, various clinical components, and written portions of the exam to test theory, are usually covered during the exam. In order to complete all of the required components of the exam, test takers will need to set aside several days. If the dentist passes the exam, he or she will be certified as an oral pathologist and be able to use the title professionally.