Competencies for the new postdoctoral Oral Medicine graduate in the United States

Abstract

Oral Medicine is primarily a nonsurgical dental discipline that includes management of (1) oral mucosal and salivary gland diseases; (2) temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain; (3) oral complications of systemic disease; and (4) dental management of medically complex patients within its scope of practice. In the United States, the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM) is the professional organization that primarily supports Oral Medicine education, research, and patient care. This document informs the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of beginning Oral Medicine graduates in the United States in three domains: Diagnosis and primarily nonsurgical management of oral mucosal and salivary gland disorders. Diagnosis and primarily nonsurgical management of temporomandibular, orofacial pain, and neurosensory disorders. Management of the medically complex patient. Each domain is subsequently expanded with major competencies and supporting competencies.