Dr. Pooja Narain : Professor and HOD She got her BDS degree from esteemed Government Dental College, Jaipur and MDS degree from Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur she is presently pursuing her PhD degree from RUHS. She is a dedicated teacher since 13 years and has published many articles in national and international journals.

COURSE INSIGHT:

The specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology basically deals with the oral and Para oral structures, its anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, and the pathology associated with them. Masters in this subject can acclaim great heights in dentistry be it practice, academics or research. An Oral Pathologist plays an important role in diagnosing diseases of the oral and maxillofacial regions; also deals with oral microbiology and forensic odontology. The department has the state-of-the-art facilities including a museum for the undergraduate and Post graduate training program and a well-equipped diagnostic histopathology facility and research lab. The laboratory provides oral diagnostic histopathology service with histopathologic analysis of biopsy specimens submitted.

Undergraduate Course

The undergraduate program taught in the Ist year BDS basically deals with knowledge related to the oral and Para oral structures, its anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology. The undergraduate program taught in the IIIrd year constitutes the pathology associated with these subjects and their clinicopathlogic interpretations as well as nuances of forensic odontology. Teaching and learning for undergraduate training include lectures, demonstrations, practicals, and seminars.

Postgraduate Course

Postgraduates are trained extensively in academic activities from an understanding of basics to most advanced aspects of oral pathology through seminars, journal clubs and interdepartmental scientific discussions.They also receive comprehensive training in laboratory techniques of histopathology, cytology, immunohistochemistry, hematology, oral microbiology and forensic odontology. The postgraduate students are actively involved in research work for the purpose of dissertation writing, minor projects and scientific presentation at various platforms. Research is an integral part of the post graduate program and the thrust areas of research include potentially malignant disorders, oral cancer, Role of biomarkers in cancer progression, Odontogenic cysts and tumour.

KEY RESULT/ ACTIVITY AREAS

1. Well-equipped Histopathology Lab to help in the diagnosis of head and neck pathologies.
2. Seminars, Demonstrations, Journal article reviews and Clinical case discussions take place regularly for UG and PG teaching.
3. Innovative teaching and assessment techniques used by the faculty of the department like problem-based learning, quizzes, and crosswords pertaining to the subject.
4. Collaboration with the other dental and medical departments to improve postgraduate learning.