Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Radiology deals with the diagnosis and management of oral disorders and production and interpretation of radiographic images of the oral and maxillofacial region. The oral cavity is the major portal of entry to the body and is equipped with formidable mechanisms for sensing the environment and defending against various pathogens. It serves as a window to the body because many important systemic disorders manifest here. The oral physician is the first medical person to encounter such disorders. Poor oral health has been linked with various systemic disorders like cardiovascular disorders, malignancies, low birth weight preterm babies, hematological disorders and osteoporosis which have certain oral manifestations. These oral manifestations must be properly diagnosed if the patient is to receive appropriate treatment

The program aims to prepare the students for a career in Oral Medicine and Radiology with an emphasis on diagnosis and oral disease management. It enables the students to hone their diagnostic and practical skills opening opportunities in academic, diagnostic and research centres.

The specific program aims are to:

1. Formulate a diagnosis of orofacial disorders by applying knowledge of basic sciences

2. Orient students towards principles and applications of basic and advanced radiology.

3. Manage medically compromised patients and medical emergencies in dental set up

4. Develop expertise in personal identification procedures using forensic evidence.

5. Develop research skills for handling scientific problems independently and as a team.

6. Develop clinical and didactic skills enabling them to become a proficient diagnostician and academician

Programme specialisation Teaching Module (PSTM) 1 — 6

There are two components to this. Component 1 (Continuous Evaluation of Module CEM) for PSTM 1 – 6 includes theory assessment, assignment, clinical assessment, and viva voce.

Component 2 (Program End Exam CEE) has a theory component, clinical component, pedagogy and viva voce.

Theory component

Part I

• Paper I: Applied Basic Sciences — Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Research Methodology and Biostatistics
• A written examination of three hours duration

Part II

Paper I: Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 

Paper II: Oral Medicine, Therapeutics and Laboratory Investigations 

Paper III: Descriptive and analysing type question

Written exams consist of three-hour papers. The other papers consist of long answer questions carrying 25 mark each and five questions carrying 10 marks each. Questions on recent advances may be asked in all papers. 

A structured clinical exam for different exercises will be assessed for 200 marks.

1. Assessment based on OSCE for 6 stations (30 marks) 
2. Case discussion of 2 short cases (30 marks)
3. Detailed case discussion with appropriate investigative procedures (70 marks) 
4. Performing and interpretation of Radiographs (70 marks)

A structured viva voce exam for 80 marks and pedagogy for 20 marks conducted during a clinical exam

These modules will be assessed as per the norms as specified in the module specification. The assessment for these modules is through tests, presentations or any other method as specified in the module specification

• Ability to work in academia, surgical practice, and research in this specialty.
• Ability to extend an understanding of the principles and practice of Oral Medicine and Radiology in conjunction with other dental and medical specialties. 
• Ability to develop clinical skills in the appraisal and diagnosis of pathologies, injuries, and deformities of the Head and Neck region
• Ability to work on armamentarium, radiographic procedures, and surgical techniques. 
• Ability to critically analyse various treatment options, select the appropriate method based on evidence in literature and deliver it efficiently.
• Ability to have a career in Oral Medicine and Radiology