Oral and maxillofacial pathology in Latin America and the Caribbean: a comprehensive survey of recognition, training, and practice

Abstract

Background: Oral and maxillofacial pathology (OMFP) is a dental specialty that studies the causes, processes, and effects of diseases in the oral and maxillofacial area, while also contributing to diagnosis and treatment. Its recognition, training, and professional practice vary across the globe. This study aimed to explore the training and professional development of OMFP in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), including important issues such as specialty recognition, service regulation, postgraduate education, number of specialists, career opportunities, and perceived barriers. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, where senior professionals in OMFP from 21 LAC countries were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire via the REDCap web platform. Results: Experts from 21 countries reported recognition of OMFP as a dental specialty in 76.2% of the countries, with 61.9% offering it as an independent program distinct from oral medicine. Specific regulations for practice were present in 52.4% of the countries, and 33.3% offered postgraduate programs, mainly combining other specialties. The professional activities of participants were diverse, including roles in private practice, universities, research, laboratories, and hospitals. However, 61.9% of participants identified the lack of recognition for multidisciplinary teams as a significant barrier to their practice. Conclusion: This groundbreaking study provides an overview of key aspects of training, practice, and recognition of OMFP in 21 LAC countries. The findings demonstrate significant variation both within the region and when compared to global studies, providing a crucial foundation for future research in this area.