Overview
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology started functioning as a unit of Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences in the year 1999 and the Post Graduate (PG) course was started some time later in the year 2012. It is a specialized field of Dentistry that deals with the study and accurate diagnosis of a wide range of diseases affecting the Oral and maxillofacial region enabling prompt treatment and better prognosis. Our department is concerned with patient care, contributing to the diagnosis and management of diseases by correlating the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic features, often in collaboration with dental specialists from various other branches of Dentistry. Forensic Odontology which deals with the analysis of dental evidence in the interest of justice also comes under the preview of this department. Our department deals with the teaching of Dental Anatomy and Tooth Morphology, Embryology and Oral Histology for the first BDS students and Oral Pathology and Microbiology and Forensic Odontology for the third BDS students. It is also involved in training the Post Graduate (PG) students in the field of Oral Pathology and Microbiology and Forensic Odontology. Our teaching schedule includes clinical training, slide discussion, identification of hard and soft tissue specimen, hematologic and microbiological investigations, histopathologic examination and also mastering special staining methods and immunohistochemical techniques. Our department is provided with a well-equipped histopathology lab with modern, advanced equipments for various diagnostic purposes. Routine biopsies, examination of cytologic smear and hematologic investigations are performed for the betterment of the patient community. We also have a well-maintained museum which ensures proper storage and display of formalin-fixed pathology specimens, dental casts, models and posters with the purpose of imparting scientific knowledge to the students. The undergraduates and the interns are given training to carry out various research projects. The interns are also guided to observe and learn the various steps in tissue processing and also the basic histopathological techniques. Various research projects are carried out by the postgraduate students and members of the teaching staff. CDE programs and workshops are conducted by our department to improve the knowledge and professional skills of the students. The undergraduates, interns and postgraduate students are given proper guidance and training for the presentation of scientific paper and poster in various state and national conferences. The postgraduate students are also encouraged to participate in CDE programs, preconference courses, various conferences both state and national and also PG conventions.
Faculty
| Name of the Faculty | Designation |
|---|---|
| Dr Beena George MDS | Prof & HOD |
| Dr Angelin D MDS | Reader |
| Dr S Jeslin Mary MDS, PhD | Reader |
| Dr Franklin R MDS | Senior Lecturer |
| Dr Rajalekshmi MP MDS | Senior Lecturer |
Objectives
- Foundational Knowledge : Provide a solid foundation in dental anatomy, morphology, and histology essential for all fields of dentistry.
- Diagnostic Skills : Train students in the clinical and histopathological identification of oral pathologies.
- Research Development : Encourage research in molecular techniques, immunology, and genetics, with a focus on oral cancer and other significant oral diseases.
Facilities
Clinical Sections
Separate sections for undergraduate and postgraduate students, with advanced tools such as digital radiography, LED curing units, bleaching units, endo motors, apex locators, and modern obturation systems
Specialized Operatory
An isolated operatory for microsurgical and micro-endodontic procedures, as well as a ceramic and casting laboratory, enabling students to learn the latest restorative techniques.
Phantom-Head Laboratory
Equipped with simulators for hands-on training in various treatment techniques.
Infrastructure
- A well-equipped clinical examination room, student’s laboratory, and a museum with numerous mounted specimens, models and posters
- A well-equipped histopathology lab – routine H & E staining, special staining, Immunohistochemistry and Exfoliative Cytology are carried out regularly.
- A hematologic laboratory where blood investigations can be done
- A unit with sophisticated instruments including
o Trinocular research microscope with camera
o Polarizing microscope
o Darkfield microscope
o Phase contrast microscope
o Pentahead microscope with camera
THE DEPARTMENT FACILITIES INCLUDE:
The department facilities include the microscopic interpretation and diagnosis of biopsy tissues and cytology samples from lesions in the oral and paraoral areas using routine and special stains. These services are available to both patients who visit our hospital as well as to private practitioners who can send the samples to us. A list of some of the services offered by as are follows:
- Routine (H&E) and Special staining procedures.
- Cytopathological services.
- Immunohistochemical analyses.
- Routine blood investigations for patients undergoing dental treatment at our hospital
- Aid in postgraduate dissertation work & undergraduate research.
- Stereomicroscope facilities
- Research microscope facilities (Bright field,dark field,phase contrast,polarising and fluorescent microscopy) with image analysis software
- Capturing photomicrographs of histopathological slides for use in case presentations/ paper presentations/poster presentations/publications.
- Other studies feasible in the department also will be undertaken.
1. TEACHING PROGRAMME
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME:
- Individual training in identification and carving of primary & permanent teeth
- Develop skills in age estimation using plaster casts.
- Identify dental anomalies through natural tooth specimens and plaster casts.
- Clinical and microscopic identification of pathological conditions of the oral cavity.
Regular class tests and internal assessment examinations are conducted to monitor and improve the overall performance of undergraduate students.
POST GRADUATE PROGRAMME / FELLOWSHIP:
- The post graduate programme was started in the year 2012 and consists of three post graduates per year. They are given intense training to be skilled and efficient Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists at the level of histopathologic and molecular techniques and include
- Participation in preliminary research activities.
- Acquire knowledge about the subject through presentation of seminars, journal discussions and case reporting.
- Mastering the skills of histopathology techniques, special staining, immunohistochemistry and basic molecular and genetic techniques.
- Interaction in national and international level activities through participation in conferences, PG conventions, CDE programmes, preconference courses and presentation of poster and paper.
- Training in undergraduate teaching programme.
- The post graduate programme was started in the year 2012 and consists of three post graduates per year. They are given intense training to be skilled and efficient Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists at the level of histopathologic and molecular techniques and include
2. PROCEDURE
3. SPECIALITY SERVICES
4.RESEARCH
5.MERITS AND OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
- University 1st Rank Holder (Gold medal) MDS degree examination 2019 – The TN Dr MGR Medical University – Dr Swetha D(PG student)
- ICMR Grant – Comparative analysis of CD 57 and PCNA expression in OSCC – An IHC study by Dr Ani Simila (PG student)
- Quiz Competition, 1st Prize in IAOMP National Conference 2019, Dr Percy Ida, Dr Rajalekshmi. (PG student)
- SMIDS junior speaker 2021, Overall best poster – Dr Percy Ida (PG student)
- Paper presentation, OOO symposium 2021, 2nd price - Dr Percy Ida, 3rd Prize Dr Sivanandhini.(PG student)
- KSOMP 2020 conference BEST PAPER AWARD (FACULTY) – Dr. S. Jeslin Mary.
- Scientific paper presentation, 2nd prize on the topic, Hemangiomatous ameloblastoma – A rare histologic variant at 31st IAOMP National conference, Kodaikanal, 2024, Dr Sambath L (PG student)
- Quiz competition, “PG Miscellany Prove your eloquence” at the Indian Dental convention- Moksha 2024, Sri Venkateshwara dental college and Hospital Chennai, Dr Sambath L (PG student)
- Dr Jeslin Mary S, (Associate Professor) has been awarded with DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD) in Oral Pathology and Microbiology, (2024) from Annamalai university currently Government dental college Cuddalore on “Evaluation and comparison of the anticancer activity induced by leaf extract of Annona muricata and green synthesized gold nano particles on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma cell line -SCC 25”.
Conference Participation and Continuing Dental Education (CDE)
Faculty and postgraduate students regularly participate in national and international conferences, with notable presentations including:
Dr. Isaac Joseph T. : Presented topics in forensic odontology and forensic entomology at national conferences, contributing to new approaches in crime investigation through oral health insights.
Dr. Prasanth T. : Known for presenting on rare oral pathology cases, such as small cell neuroendocrine tumors, and conducting workshops on instrument sterilization for immunocompromised patients.
The department has received multiple grants and awards for its contributions
ICMR Grant : Dr. Isaac Joseph T. received funding for research on cancer markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma, an immunohistochemical study contributing to early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.
Forensic Odontology is an emerging focus, encompassing the use of dental structures for sex determination, age estimation, and crime investigation. Unique projects, such as the analysis of tongue prints and cell cannibalism in oral cancer, underscore the department’s dedication to advancing this critical area of study.
Conclusion
The Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology at Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences exemplifies excellence in education, research, and patient care. With an emphasis on diagnostics, forensic odontology, and cancer research, it remains at the forefront of advancing oral health knowledge and shaping the future of dental medicine. Through state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated faculty team, the department ensures that students receive comprehensive training and exposure to modern pathology practices, positioning them for success in both clinical and research careers.
