This course will illustrate the most common oral and maxillofacial pathology lesions of odontogenic, gingival and osseous origin likely to be encountered by the practicing pathologist. For those that have not felt comfortable with odontogenic, oral osseous and oral mucosal lesions, this is the course to take. It is aimed at practicing pathologists but also those in pathology training. This basic course is meant to de-mystify odontogenic lesions, processes that many pathologists see in their practice but sometimes without sufficient regularity to attain confidence in their diagnosis. Information regarding the basic fundamentals of these important oral lesions will be presented in an easy to understand format. The course is designed with the assumption that the participant has a limited knowledge of odontogenic lesions, including their histologic, radiologic and clinical features. The course directors believe that in addition to an understanding of the histologic features of these processes, radiographic and clinical information is sometimes essential in making a specific diagnosis. Similar to orthopedic pathology, an understanding of the radiograph features is essential for the evaluation of some odontogenic lesions. Further, the pathologist's job is made considerably easier when he or she understands the clinical features and the appropriate treatment that will be rendered following a diagnosis.

The course is quite interactive. Both course directors will actively and simultaneously participate in the presentation of course materials, stopping when necessary to take questions from the participants. The combination of the course directors' laboratory and clinical experience and interaction throughout the course keeps the course relevant and practical. This course will present information that at minimum all pathologists who see oral tissues should have as a basic understanding.

The lesions to be presented are divided naturally into categories that define their appearance to the oral surgeon based on clinical and radiographic evaluation. This division will prove to be very useful upon completion of the course as it will allow the participant to quickly assess the appropriate differential diagnoses that correspond to the clinical/radiographic appearance. Moreover, these major categories represent the information that will be presented on the pathology requisition. Major lesions of interest will be available to review prior to the course on virtual slides for pre-registrants through the USCAP website. A syllabus will be provided at the meeting covering text material presented in the course along with a printed version of the text from the PowerPoint presentation that participants can follow along during the presentation. At the conclusion of the course web access will be given to participants to view the PowerPoint presentation given at the Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus.

The major categories of processes to be discussed include the following: 1) Odontogenic lesions presenting clinically/radiographically as cysts. Included in this group are: dentigerous cysts, hyperplastic dental follicle, radicular cyst, keratocystic odontogenic tumor (odontogenic keratocyst), unicystic ameloblastoma and calcifying odontogenic cyst (Gorlin cyst). 2) Odontogenic lesions presenting clinically/radiographically as a solid tumor. Included in the group are: ameloblastoma, ameloblastic fibroma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, odontoma, myxoma, myxofibroma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and calcifying odontogenic tumor (Pindborg tumor). 3) Gingival lesions. Included in this category are: peripheral ossifying fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma and pyogenic granuloma. 4) Fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws. Included in this group are: cemento-osseous dysplasias, central giant cell lesions, fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma

The objectives of the course will be to enable the participant to 1) establish the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic criteria required for accurate and meaningful diagnosis of odontogenic lesions and lesions occurring in the soft and osseous tissues of the jaws, 2) to develop familiarity with the therapeutic options for the lesions presented, thereby improving communication with the oral surgeon and 3) issue pathology reports that are meaningful for the oral surgeon and dentist.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.