Department of Oral Diagnosis
Historical Background
The Oral Diagnosis Department is one of the six scientific pillars upon which the College of Dentistry at the University of Mosul is founded. This department was established in the academic year 2023–2024 under the generous patronage of Assistant Professor Dr. Rayan Salem Hamed, Dean of the College, and under the direct supervision of the Head of Department, Lecturer Dr. Abdul Sattar Salem Mahmood (Ph.D. in Oral Diagnosis).
Introduction
The Oral Diagnosis Department is considered one of the fundamental cornerstones for building a modern dental college that adheres to international university standards. It encompasses the academic subjects related to oral diagnostics, such as oral radiology, oral pathology, oral medicine, and oral tissues. The department aims to empower graduates by enhancing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in diagnosing oral and dental diseases and understanding their treatment protocols.
The College of Dentistry at the University of Mosul has been committed to establishing this department based on the highest standards of global quality. This is achieved through the provision of cutting-edge curricula, a highly trained teaching staff familiar with the latest instructional methods, advanced classrooms, modern communication technologies, and state-of-the-art scientific and practical equipment necessary for students to stay abreast of global advancements in the field.
Vision
The specialized team responsible for establishing this department envisioned more than just creating a new academic unit. Their goal was to “start where others have finished”, thereby launching a department that matches the stature of a prestigious institution like the University of Mosul and aligns with international universities, aiming for its students to reach the forefront of this specialty.
Mission
Dentistry is one of the most vital professions that directly affect human life on a daily basis. To produce competent dentists capable of treating dental problems, it is essential to train them in accurately diagnosing such conditions before administering treatment.
Hence, this department was established to provide students with comprehensive training in diagnosing oral conditions, forming the foundation for a well-rounded dental professional capable of identifying oral health problems, understanding their etiology, managing them effectively, and providing the appropriate treatment.
Objectives
1. Developing up-to-date curricula tailored to the disciplines covered by the department.
2. Delivering these curricula in a modern, interactive, and engaging manner that fosters student participation and advancement.
3. Translating theoretical knowledge into practical application through hands-on training with the latest dental diagnostic devices.
4. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and equipment in the fields of oral radiology, oral medicine, and oral pathology to elevate the standard of patient care.
5. Implementing these curricula and practical training modules in the university hospital under the supervision of faculty members during clinical rotations.
6. Supervising researchers from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in conducting academic studies, as well as supporting postgraduate specialization programs.
The Department Includes:
1. Oral Diagnosis Clinic
A clinical unit that receives patients visiting the college. Patients are examined by dental professionals and referred to the relevant departments based on their clinical cases, which also serves to train students while providing dental services.
2. Oral Medicine Division
This specialty focuses on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of oral lesions. It also includes the diagnosis and follow-up of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by students under faculty supervision.Students are trained to present seminars on specific topics within the scientific curriculum and to complete research projects as graduation requirements in their fifth year.
3. Oral Pathology Division
This field teaches the histopathological nature of oral lesions and methods for microscopic diagnosis to fourth-year students. It includes laboratories equipped for hands-on training delivered by specialized faculty. The division also provides histopathological diagnostic services for patients referred from other clinics and hospitals.
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Division
Third-year students are taught the physics of radiology and how various dental and maxillofacial diseases appear on diagnostic images. Students gain practical experience through work in radiology clinics.
5. Oral Histology Division
In the second year, students study the histological structure of teeth and their supporting tissues, with practical sessions held in laboratory settings.
6. Embryology Division
Also in the second year, students study embryonic development and growth through its various stages.
7. General Pathology Division
Third-year students are taught how dentists should handle systemic diseases, including methods for diagnosis and treatment of general medical conditions.
8. Digital Histopathology Imaging Unit
An advanced unit specializing in digital histological imaging and conducting both research-oriented and diagnostic histopathological examinations.
9. Minor Surgery Suite
A dedicated room for performing minor surgical procedures such as biopsies of suspicious lesions, which are then referred for histopathological examination.
10. Histological Sectioning Laboratory
A newly established lab designed in accordance with global quality standards. It is specialized in tissue processing and sectioning, equipped with the latest devices for the preparation, sectioning, and staining of various types of tissue samples.
