About Academy of Oral Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (AOPLM)

  • Oral Pathology (also known as oral and maxillofacial pathology/head and neck pathology) is a
    specialized field of pathology dealing with the diseases of oral cavity and its associated structures
    (i.e., teeth, tongue; bony tissue [maxilla and mandible]; joint [temporomandibular joint]; lymph
    nodes; nerves; structures in neck and blood vessels of the ear, nose and throat [pharynx and larynx]).
    The practice of oral pathology & microbiology includes diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases using
    clinical, radiographic, microscopic, hematological biochemical, microbiological, immunological,
    ultrastructural or other molecular/genetic exmainations
  • Laboratory Medicine, is a clinical science and discipline, devoted to the quantitative measurement, or
    qualitative assessment of any substance that can be assayed in any type of biological fluid of any
    animal species, thus including humans, for either medical or research purposes. The results of these
    measurements are translated into actionable information for improving the care and/or maintaining
    the wellness of both a single individual and an entire population. Laboratory Medicine thus, is the
    application of ‘Medicine’ at the laboratory level. It deals with all the necessary investigations required
    for the diagnosis and management of patients. It includes selection, operation, and interpretation of
    diagnostic testing that uses primarily the specimens from patients, and contributes in clinical
    management, in addition to administrative, financial, teaching and research activities of the
    department.
  • Academy of Oral Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (AOPLM) was constituted by Practicing Oral
    Pathologists and Microbiologists Association (POPMA) in 2023 to impart quality training in oral
    pathology and laboratory medicine to the members of POPMA. Currently, it’s offering observership
    and fellowship course based on the duration of the course.
  • Fellowship course is a module based distance education programme which includes online modules
    and contact sessions including lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Fellowship course follows a
    detailed curriculum and provides extensive theoretical knowledge (mostly distance education) and
    specific practical skills (laboratory hands-on) in oral pathology and laboratory medicine along with
    basic knowledge required in associated subjects.
  • AOPLM Fellowship certification requires assessment and theoretical knowledge through conduct of
    practical examination on completion of the training and, if found proficient, shall award enrolled
    candidates with the Fellowship/Observership by the Academy of Oral Pathology and Laboratory
    Medicine.

The vision of the academy is:

  • To impart training of qualified professionals in niche areas of diagnostic oral pathology and
    laboratory medicine.
  • To support excellence in oral pathology and laboratory medicine and in doing so, enhance patient
    outcomes.
  • Improving oral and general health of the community through specialized training of oral pathology
    professionals, translational research and improving quality of diagnostic centres.