The Department is located on the sixth floor of the Oral and Dental Hospital and is composed of different sections that form part of the training of oral hygienists, dentists and postgraduate students. The different sections are:

• Oral Pathology provides students with the skills to recognise, diagnose and manage pathological conditions of the head and neck and is responsible for rendering services in diagnostic histopathology.
• Anatomical Pathology provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the processes of disease of the organs and tissues.
• Forensic Odontology involves the identification of deceased individuals, age estimation and bite mark identification.
• Oral Biology teaches the development, structure, function of the oral cavity and associated structures.
• Diagnostic Imaging teaches the principles of radiography and radiology as well as the clinical training of students and rendering of services to Gauteng Health patients.

Specialisation in Oral Pathology requires an additional 5 years of full-time postgraduate training in the histopathological recognition and diagnosis of all pathological conditions of the head and neck. Additionally, the department also offers postgraduate courses in Forensic Odontology, Oral Biology, and Radiology.   

Vision

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology strives to be internationally recognised for academic excellence in the fields of Oral Pathology, Oral Biology, Diagnostic Imaging and Forensic Odontology.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is to:

• Generate new knowledge through relevant research
• Stimulate a critical approach to guide students in the process of independent, lifelong learning, thereby contributing to the delivery of competent newly graduated dentists and oral hygienists
• Provide diagnostic pathological, radiological and forensic odontological services of the highest quality
• Create an inspiring environment in which students and personnel can thrive

We aim to achieve this through the core values of respect, care and consideration for our colleagues, patients and students, and the belief that there is no substitute for excellence.