Part I. Oral Pathology: A Refresher with Emphasis on Common Pitfalls

The diagnosis and management of oral lesions may be challenging particularly as these are not routinely encountered. There are several pitfalls that may result in mismanagement with potential to harm the patient as well as medico-legal consequences. This lecture will address some of the most commonly encountered pitfalls and errors in oral pathology using a case-based format. This lecture will also serve as a general oral pathology refresher course.

Part II: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: From simple concepts to advanced strategies

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are frequently encountered, but in general, poorly understood. This is further complicated by the plethora of studies of various quality and with conflicting results. This lecture with delve into the diagnostic methodologies and contemporary treatment modalities ; fostering a deeper understanding of this often complex condition.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the presentation of oral precancerous and cancerous lesions, including risk factors and changing trends.
• Understand the potential pitfalls and errors that complicate the diagnosis and management of oral cancers.
• Understand the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular joint disorders; from the simple to complex.

Outline and Learning Objectives – Part 1

The head and neck examination, including:

• Proper technique and frequently asked questions
• Patterns of neck metastasis and diagnostic/referral pathways
• Pitfalls including commonly missed subsites and normal anatomic variants.

The specialist referral, including:

• Appropriate versus inappropriate referral types and avenues
• Pitfalls including patient anxiety and refusal
• Advances to address limited access to specialists including virtual dentistry

Information resources, including:

• Types of information resources along with emphasis on newer technologies e.g. social media, artificial intelligence

Oral cancer and changing trends, including:

• Changing trends in oral cancer epidemiology in Ontario
• Traditional risk factors and a current understanding of potential risk factors e.g. vaping, cannabis, chronic trauma, etc.

Identification of patients at risk for oral cancer, including:

• Current understanding of precancerous lesions (e.g. leukoplakia, erythroplakia, actinic cheilitis, lichen planus, etc.)
• Recognition, diagnosis and management

Interdisciplinary communication, including

• Reasons for miscommunication and potential consequences
• Appropriate generalist-specialist and specialist-specialist interactions

Outline and Learning Objectives – Part 2

General Concepts, including:

• TMD classification, etiology

Diagnostic process, including

• Armamentarium, examination and differential diagnosis

TMD cases, with emphasis on:

• The spectrum of patients encountered; from simplex to complex cases as well as mimickers
• Evidence-based management.