Current Practice Pattern of Oral Pathologists in India

Abstract The practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology encompasses research, diseases diagnosis through clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical and patients management akin. Unlike general dentist an oral pathologist have a practices to that of general pathologist. Hence, conducting a survey will be useful to analyse the practice patterns of oral pathologists will help broaden the scope of this speciality. Objective: To analyse the current practicing patterns and scope of oral pathologist in India Methodolgy: An online questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study will be conducted among oral pathologist in India. Results: A total of 112 oral pathologists were participanted in study among them 68.9% were female and31.1%were male. Regarding admission methods 53.3% were admitted by merit, 42.5% by choice and4.2% and In-service Working status of participant was as follows teaching faculty- 61.3%, Students-17%, retired-3.3 % practioners – 9.9%, Dental surgeons- 7.1% and others- 2.4%. Non-academic participants were distributed among corporate health sector- 5.7%, Pathology lab- 5.2% research institute -0 .5% and tobacco cessation center - 0.5%. Conclusion: Studies have found that prime motive for dental students when choosing future career options include financial security, independent & specialized professional, job satisfaction, status, and a desire to serve to the community.