This course will provide a fundamental overview of oral pathology lesions and diseases that the general dental practitioner must know for the competent care of patients. The steps of performing comprehensive extraoral and intraoral exams will be detailed. Normal variants and common oral lesions encountered in each specific location of the oral cavity will be described. The appropriate treatment of these lesions will also be included. There will also be a focus on the diagnosis and management of the more common oral mucosal diseases. These diseases will range from recurrent oral aphthous and herpetic ulcers to candidiasis to lichen planus. Lesions and diseases that should be referred to an oral pathologist or oral medicine specialist for appropriate management will be identified. The session will conclude with several interactive patient cases.
Learning Objectives:
Recognize normal variants and common lesions of the oral cavity.
Understand the steps in the management of common oral lesions.
Identify which lesions require referral to an oral pathologist or oral medicine specialist.