Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist

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Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist - Career Profile

Career Overview

An oral and maxillofacial pathologist works to determine and identify the cause of diseases and conditions of the mouth and maxillofacial region. The maxillofacial region is the facial area that surrounds the jaws and may extend to the neck depending on the condition.

The oral and maxillofacial pathologist uses radiology, clinical practices, biochemistry and even microscopic analysis to determine the cause of diseases and conditions and provide a continuous and intensive treatment to patients. The oral and maxillofacial pathologist usually works as part of an team approach for treating severe conditions including lesions, tumors, cankers, issues with the tissues of the mouth, lips or tongue, as well as leukoplakia, often a precursor to oral cancers.

The oral and maxillofacial pathologist is a specialist and receives patients by referrals from other dentists and doctors. The oral and maxillofacial pathologist usually works in private practice but may work for a government agency or in consultation with a group of dentists or other medical professionals.

Usually a oral and maxillofacial pathologist works standard hours of Monday to Friday although some oral and maxillofacial pathologist offer evening and even weekend appointments, especially in larger cities and metropolitan areas. Since the career overview of an oral and maxillofacial pathologist works closely with many medical treatments an oral and maxillofacial pathologist often works with various laboratories and research facilities often in conjunction with universities and other private facilities.

Career Requirements

To become an oral and maxillofacial pathologist the individual is required to complete a Master of Science program in oral and maxillofacial pathology and will complete all course work, examinations, clinical experience as well as complete a thesis.

Usually a Bachelors level or at least 2 years of a science or related degree program are required to enter the Masters program. Graduates of the programs are usually required to keep at least a 3.0 minimum standing overall. There are limited numbers of candidates for a M.S in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology allowed in most graduate schools so the competition for positions in the training programs is very high.

After graduating the oral and maxillofacial pathologist can become a member of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist by completing an application and meeting all criteria. The address to contact the AAOMP is:

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
214 North North Hale Street
Wheaton, IL
60187
www.aaomp.org

Job Outlook

In the highly specialized field of oral and maxillofacial pathologist there are steady job opportunities as current oral and maxillofacial pathologist reach retirement age. The demand for oral and maxillofacial pathologist is likely to increase in the future as treatments for dental problems become more encompassing and complete rather than just dealing with issues regarding the teeth.

In addition dental care has increasingly begun to focus on preventative issues that the oral and maxillofacial pathologist works to allow early identification of tumors and cancers in the maxillofacial region.

Career Track

Since the oral and maxillofacial pathologist is a specialized dental practitioner the opportunity to work as a consultant, teach at a school or research facility or work in private practice are all viable options for advancement. Many oral and maxillofacial pathologists open individual practices after working for government agencies or working on a referral basis to a group of dentists with an already established practice.

Compensation

Depending on the area that the oral and maxillofacial pathologist practices in as well as if they are in private or government jobs the salaries vary. For a private practice oral and maxillofacial pathologist the average yearly income is $160,000 to $180,000 with those in larger practices earning more than oral and maxillofacial pathologists in smaller practices and centers.