The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral Microbiology and Forensic Odontology is dedicated to advancing excellence in education, diagnostics, research and patient care. The major thrust areas of the department include:

Oral Cancer and Potentially Malignant Disorders

• Early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders.
• Identification of biomarkers for risk assessment and prognostication.
• Community-based screening and awareness programs for oral cancer prevention.

Advanced Diagnostic Oral Pathology

• Histopathological diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases.
• Application of immunohistochemistry, cytology and molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Digital pathology and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic approaches.

Oral Microbiology and Systemic Health

• Investigation of the oral microbiome and its role in oral and systemic diseases.
• Research on microbial pathogenesis, host immune responses and preventive strategies.
• Correlation of oral health with systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and immunological disorders.

Forensic Odontology

• Human identification using dental records.
• Age estimation and sex determination.
• Bite mark analysis and forensic investigations in medico-legal cases.
• Disaster victim identification and forensic documentation.

Translational and Interdisciplinary Research

• Collaborative research with Oncology, Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology and Medical specialties.
• Studies on oral manifestations of systemic diseases.
• Development of innovative diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Academic Training

Undergraduate Training (BDS)

The department is actively involved in the training of undergraduate students during the first three years of the BDS curriculum. Students receive comprehensive instruction in:

• Dental Anatomy
• Oral Histology
• Oral Embryology
• Oral Physiology
• Oral Biology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

The teaching-learning process includes:

• Practical exercises and wax carving sessions.
• Histology slide discussions and laboratory demonstrations.
• Regular formative assessments and internal examinations.
• Remedial classes and academic mentoring for slow learners.
• Case-based learning and interactive seminars.

Postgraduate Training (MDS)

The postgraduate programme is designed to develop highly skilled oral pathologists capable of independent diagnosis, research and academic excellence.

Training includes:

• Routine histopathology reporting and diagnostic interpretation.
• Cytology, hematology and immunological investigations.
• Advanced diagnostic techniques including immunohistochemistry.
• Case presentations, seminars, journal clubs and clinico-pathological discussions.
• Dissertation and thesis research.
• Presentation of scientific papers and posters at national and international conferences.
• Training in research methodology, scientific writing and publication ethics.

Clinical and Diagnostic Services

The department provides comprehensive diagnostic services through its Oral Pathology Laboratory, including:

• Histopathological examination and reporting of biopsy specimens.
• Exfoliative and fine needle aspiration cytology.
• Hematological investigations.
• Immunohistochemical analysis.
• Oral cancer screening and risk assessment.
• Clinico-pathological correlation and diagnostic consultations.
• Second opinion services for complex oral lesions.

The department functions as a referral center for oral disease diagnosis and provides valuable support to clinicians in treatment planning and patient management.

Collaborations and Academic Linkages

The department actively collaborates with reputed healthcare institutions to enhance clinical exposure, research and academic exchange.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)

• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali
• Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi

These collaborations facilitate:

• Multidisciplinary cancer board discussions.
• Clinical training and observational postings.
• Collaborative research projects.
• Exposure to advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Student Exchange Programme

The department maintains a postgraduate student exchange programme with IDST Dental College, Modinagar, enabling academic interaction, collaborative learning and research exposure.

• World Cancer Day celebrated on 4th February to raise awareness about cancers and its consequences and to encourage its prevention among general populations. 
• National Oral Pathologist Day celebrated on 25th February to commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr H.M Dholakia sir, the first Oral Pathologist in India and aims to highlights the role of oral pathologist in final diagnosis and patient care. 
• World No Tobacco Day celebrated on 31st May to raise global awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and its devastating health, social and economic impacts on individuals. Students are encouraging to stay away from the tobacco usage.