An oral medicine doctor is trained to diagnose and manage patients with disorders of the orofacial region, essentially as a "physician of the mouth." An oral medicine doctor has a team and skill to diagnosis and manage the oral mucosal abnormalities (growths, ulcers, infection, allergies, immune-mediated and autoimmune disorders, cancers), salivary gland disorders, temporomandibular disorders (e.g.: problems with the TMJ) and facial pain (due to musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions),Sleep Apnea for adults and children; and who are able to work with medical providers who are also knowledgeable of the oral manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases that only you can treat.

Procedures performed

As part of the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, oral medicine doctors may perform procedures such as:

·         Biopsies. Surgical removal of tissue or bone specimen for analysis to obtain a diagnosis. 

·         Ordering and interpretation of tests. Such tests include imaging studies (x-rays, CT scans, MRIs), salivary and blood tests and microbiological investigations. 

·         Medical management. Implementing and collaborating with the medical physicians who are working with patients who need our treatments.

·         Specialized injections. Injections in the mouth or face for diagnostic purposes, or for administration of medication for pain relief, anesthesia, or inflammation 

In addition, oral medicine doctors provide dental treatment or advise dentists about the treatment of patients with complex medical conditions. Treatment of medically complex patients (e.g.: cancer, transplant, heart, kidney patients, diabetics, pregnant women and so much more.)

Practice settings

Oral medicine doctors can work at one or a combination of the following settings:

·         Private practice. Oral medicine doctors in private practice settings provide specialized care for the orofacial conditions listed above, and general dental care to patients with complex medical conditions. These may be done in a group or solo practice setting, providing a mix of the practice of dentistry and medicine. 

·         Hospital / Healthcare facility. In hospital dental services, oral medicine doctors providing care in hospital outpatient clinics, care for inpatients, emergency rooms, and operating rooms. They often work closely with specialty service lines including oncology, stem cell and solid organ transplantation, and cardiac medicine.

Oral Medicine Doctors in partnership

Oral medicine doctors typically partner with and work closely with the following other types of healthcare professionals:

·         General dentists and dental specialists (e.g.: oral and maxillofacial pathologists, periodontists, endodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons) 

·         Primary care physicians (e.g.: family medicine, internal medicine) 

·         Dermatologists 

·         Oncologists (cancer doctors)

·         Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) 

·         Gastroenterologists

·         Rheumatologists

·         Neurologists

·         Plastic Surgeons

·         Physical therapists 

·         Mental health specialists (e.g.: psychiatrists and psychologists)

Systems you need

·         Introduction to CSI Investigation System

·         New team skills

·         Medical billing tricks and clues

Links2Success can help you reach these goals.  Contact us at ctaxin@links2success.biz or 914-303-6464 for more information.  You can receive a free consultation for your office so don’t miss out.