What is Medical Pathology Specialty? Perceptions of Medical and Dental Undergraduate Students: A Survey Study

Objective: Pathology education is a critical component of medical and dental curricula, yet students’ awareness of pathology laboratories and associated procedures is often limited. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the knowledge and awareness of fourth-year medical and dental students regarding pathology laboratories and related procedures.Methods: This cross-sectional survey study including 151 students (85 medical, 66 dental) assessing theoretical knowledge, practical awareness, and understanding of pathology workflows. Students completed a structured questionnaire covering topics such as the role of pathologists, biopsy procedures, laboratory practices, and patients’ rights regarding specimens. Data were analyzed to identify differences between medical and dental students.Results: Overall, both groups demonstrated basic knowledge of pathology and laboratory practices. Medical students were more aware that pathologists are medical doctors, that diagnoses rely on microscopic examination, and that intraoperative frozen section evaluations can influence surgical decisions. Dental students were more aware than medical students of “the ability of dentists to perform biopsies.” Both groups had limited understanding of technical aspects, such as the duration of laboratory procedures and management of paraffin blocks. Awareness of patients’ rights to obtain biopsy materials and to select the evaluating pathologist was generally low, though slightly higher among medical students.Conclusion: While theoretical knowledge among medical and dental students is adequate, practical experience and awareness of the pathologist’s role in patient care remain limited. Enhancing practical pathology training, including laboratory visits and observation of workflow, may improve comprehension, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and better prepare students for clinical practice.