Oral Medicine Definition

Definitions and scope of oral medicine

Oral Medicine is the discipline of dentistry concerned with the oral health care of medically compromised patients and with the diagnosis and non-surgical management of medically-related disorders or conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.

To become an oral medicine expert, a dentist must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 24 months in an advanced education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). Such programs “must be designed to provide special knowledge and skills beyond the DDS or DMD training…”1 The curriculum of an advanced program provides the dentist with neces­sary didactic background and clinical experiences to provide comprehensive and proficient oral health care of medically compromised patients as well as those with medically-related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral medicine experts provide care, conduct research, and teach in a variety of clinical and institutional settings, including private practice and public health. They work in coordination with other health care providers, medical and social, for the benefit of the public.

The primary focus of most dental specialties is a particular area of dental, oral, or maxillofacial expertise. Oral medicine encompasses the diagnosis and delivery of care to primarily adult patients who have medical conditions that affect that oral cavity or the delivery of dental care. This includes oversight and management, including pharmacological management, of patients with medically compromised and disabling conditions, chronic mucosal disorders, salivary gland disorders, are require care in a hospital environment. These skills are applied to the needs of patients through­out their course of medical illness through interactions with the general dentist and other specialists.

The American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM), founded in 1945, is the membership organization representing the discipline of oral medicine. The membership provides care to thousands of our nation’s youth and adults whose underlying medical condition affects oral health and the delivery of dental care. Experts who are board certified by the American Board of Oral Medicine as diplomates are the primary contributors to professional education programs and scholarly activity in the field. The AAOM, in accordance with its vision and mission, advocates optimal oral health and health care for all persons with medical illness. Its advocacy activities take place within the broader health care community and with the public at local, regional, and national levels. Clinician Guidelines are one of the components of the AAOM’s advocacy activities.

The Academy is a sponsor of the American Board of Oral Medicine responsible for examining and certifying candidates who have received approved postdoctoral training. Requirements correspond to those of national specialty boards. The board examination is offered September/October each year.

Membership Activities

  • National meetings of the AAOM at reduced membership rates
  • Lectures, workshops and seminars
  • Research
  • Cooperation with dental and other health care educational institutions in developing Oral Medicine programs
  • Sponsorship of the American Board of Oral Medicine
  • Journal of Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontics
  • Development of pre and postdoctoral Oral Medicine programs
  • Newsletters and Monographs (Clinician’s Guides) in English and Spanish
  • Professional recognition fellowships and awards
  • The Awards and Endowment Fund which sponsors student graduate awards and abstract and research awards
  • Auxiliary component
  • Social activities

Mission

  • To promote and provide excellence in education, research, and patient care in the field of Oral Medicine
  • To promote access to quality Oral Medicine care
  • To increase public and professional awareness of the field of Oral Medicine

Goal

Oral Medicine seeks to improve the quality of life of patients with medically-related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Scope

Oral medicine is a primarily non-surgical dental specialty that includes the physical evaluation, diagnosis, therapeutic management and research into medically-related oral disease such as:

  • salivary gland and functional disorders of the stomatognathic system
  • chemo-sensory and neurologic impairment of the oral and maxillofacial complex
  • primarily orofacial disorders and complications resulting from systemic disease, aging, immunosuppression, and medical care of the public.

Events