INTRODUCTION
The Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences is a center for the diagnosis of all oral and maxillofacial pathologies. Department is situated in the ground floor close to the reception area. Department deals with patient care, teaching and research involving diagnosis and nonsurgical management of diseases of the orofacial complex. Department is having well experienced and enthusiastic staff members who impart their knowledge to the budding graduates.
The objective of teaching in the department is to emphasize the responsibility of students in obtaining a thorough medical and dental history, performing a comprehensive medical and dental examination, to reach at a diagnosis as per patient’s complaints, and formulating a treatment plan. Academic activities are provided for 3rd year and 4th-year students in terms of clinical teaching and didactic lectures. Additionally, a focus on knowledge on the management of common mucosal lesions, diseases related to TMJ, maxillary sinus, and salivary gland are also emphasized. Postgraduates from other specialties are posted in the department for a specified time period and they are offered training in the field of diagnosis and radiology. Department caters to the need of patients by integrating medicine and dentistry to promote optimum health. Early diagnosis of oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders is given utmost importance while examining the patient. Assistance will be provided for tobacco cessation.
The Department of oral medicine and radiology has radiologic facilities like IOPA, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, and cephalometric radiographic procedures. Department is equipped with both conventional film-based and digital radiographic systems with appropriate processing units.
Department frequently participates in college activities by conducting hands-on workshops and CDEs, participating in clinicopathologic conferences thereby imparting knowledge and updating the recent advances.
The Department of oral medicine and radiology conducts various awareness programs for the public and students and celebrates important days like international radiology day, world cancer day, world no tobacco day, and conducts street plays and skits. Students are trained to attend national and state-level conferences and encourage the students to present papers and posters. Department also promotes interdisciplinary research and short studies.