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COVID-19; Oral pathology; Pandemic; Dental

Introduction

Oral pathology lab courses are typically hands-on and require close interaction between students and instructors. Students examine specimens under a microscope, learn how to perform biopsies, and diagnose oral diseases. However, due to the pandemic, dental schools have had to adapt their curriculum to ensure the safety of their students and faculty members. Traditional laboratory courses have been challenging to conduct in a safe and effective manner [1].

Fortunately, there are alternative ways to deliver oral pathology education during the pandemic. One solution is to implement a demonstration mode, where instructors demonstrate the techniques and procedures to the students while they watch and take notes. This mode allows students to observe the techniques and procedures in action without being in close contact with their instructors and classmates.

An oral pathology lab course in a demonstration mode can be delivered using various online platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Instructors can use high-quality cameras to show the specimens and their features clearly. They can also use pre-recorded videos and digital images to provide a more detailed demonstration of the techniques and procedures [2,3].

During the demonstration mode, students can ask questions and receive feedback from their instructors. Instructors can provide explanations and clarify any misconceptions that students may have. Moreover, students can practice the techniques and procedures at home using simulation models and receive feedback from their instructors remotely.

In conclusion, an oral pathology lab course in a demonstration mode is an appropriate way to deliver dental education during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows students to learn the essential techniques and procedures without being in close contact with their instructors and classmates. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for instructors to demonstrate the techniques and procedures more clearly using various online platforms. Dental schools must continue to adapt their curriculum to ensure that their students receive quality education while maintaining their safety during the pandemic [4].

Literature Review

A literature review of oral pathology reveals the latest advancements and updates in the field.

1. Oral cancer: Oral cancer is a significant public health issue worldwide. Recent studies have focused on identifying biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancer. Several potential biomarkers such as salivary proteins, microRNA, and DNA methylation have been identified. Additionally, immunotherapy and gene therapy are emerging as promising treatments for oral cancer [5].

2. Oral infections: Oral infections are common in dentistry, and recent studies have highlighted the role of oral microbiota in the development of these infections. Advances in metagenomic sequencing have provided insights into the composition and diversity of oral microbiota. Additionally, probiotics have shown promise in reducing the incidence of oral infections [6].

3. Oral manifestations of systemic diseases: Several systemic diseases can have oral manifestations, and dentists play an important role in their diagnosis and management. Recent studies have focused on the oral manifestations of COVID-19, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Early recognition and management of these manifestations can improve patient outcomes [7].

4. Salivary gland diseases: Salivary gland diseases can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Recent studies have focused on identifying biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of salivary gland tumors. Additionally, the use of molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) has shown promise in the diagnosis and management of salivary gland diseases.

5. Oral mucosal diseases: Oral mucosal diseases can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Recent studies have focused on the use of noninvasive techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy for the diagnosis and management of oral mucosal diseases. Additionally, advances in gene therapy have shown promise in the treatment of inherited oral mucosal diseases [7,8].

Oral pathology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field of dentistry.

Recent advancements in biomarkers, imaging techniques, and gene therapy have improved the diagnosis and management of oral diseases. Dentists must keep up to date with the latest advancements in oral pathology to provide the best possible care to their patients [9].

Discussion

Oral pathology lab course during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges faced by dental schools in delivering quality education while maintaining the safety of their students and faculty members. The traditional hands-on laboratory courses were difficult to conduct due to the close contact required between students and instructors. However, an oral pathology lab course in a demonstration mode proved to be an appropriate way to deliver dental education during the pandemic [10].

The demonstration mode allowed instructors to demonstrate the techniques and procedures to students while they watched and took notes remotely. Online platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet provided an opportunity for instructors to use highquality cameras to show the specimens and their features clearly. Moreover, students could practice the techniques and procedures at home using simulation models and receive feedback from their instructors remotely.

The literature review on oral pathology highlighted the latest advancements and updates in the field. The recent studies focused on identifying biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancer, the role of oral microbiota in the development of oral infections, the oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and the use of non-invasive techniques for the diagnosis and management of oral mucosal diseases.

Conclusion

An oral pathology lab course in a demonstration mode proved to be an appropriate way to deliver dental education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demonstration mode allowed students to learn the essential techniques and procedures while maintaining their safety. The literature review highlighted the latest advancements and updates in the field of oral pathology, and dental schools must continue to adapt their curriculum to ensure that their students receive quality education while maintaining their safety during the pandemic.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

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