Graduate Training

What does Oral Medicine training involve?

Oral medicine programs involve a minimum of 24 months of training, and lead to a Certificate in Oral Medicine. All programs are either hospital based or closely affiliated with a teaching hospital. Some programs offer additional training towards a master’s or doctoral degree, in addition to the clinical certificate. Didactic and clinical components of oral medicine training are supplemented by clinical rotations on various medical services at the institution. Over the course of a clinical residency, residents obtain the knowledge and hands-on training necessary to treat medically complex patients, and to diagnose and manage oral mucosal and salivary gland diseases, as well as orofacial pain conditions.

Why enter the field of Oral Medicine?

Advanced training in oral medicine leads to a tremendous variety of career opportunities. Many oral medicine specialists choose an academic position at a dental school, tertiary care teaching hospital, or comprehensive cancer center, dividing their time between teaching, patient care and research. Others thrive in private practice settings.

Please click here to see Oral Medicine Criteria Based Knowledge Objectives, May 6, 2010.