When it comes to the study of structure, function and
diseases of oral cavity, the discipline we commonly refer to in this regard is
most commonly known as stomatology. In a number of countries, the term
stomatology is interchanged with the term oral medicine, which is not
considered to be a specialty in field of dentistry in United States. However,
there are several oral and dental issues which occur as consequences of other
diseases, and those issues do not fully qualify as ones to be treated by either
medical specialists or qualified dentists. Such issues still need to be treated
and this is where stomatology comes in.
Regulation of
dentistry
It’s the role of American Dental Association (ADA) to
explain what fields can be regarded as specialties in the field of dentistry.
Then Commission on Dental Accreditation controls the curriculum and training
which allows a general dentist to become a specialist. Now, there are some
ongoing cases in the courts of United States that question the autonomy of ADA
and other boards which have the authority to consider other specialties in
order to grant specialization certificates to the dentists. The result of this
ongoing case is going to have its impact on overall dentistry. For now, there
are nine specialties which are recognized in most of the states. Those
specialties range from dental public health to pediatric and surgical
disciplines.
What is stomatology?
Stomatology is basically a discipline which overlaps with
other disciplines of dentistry such as orthodontics, dental public health, and
disciplines which involve oral facial pain and chronic pain. The training of Oral
medicine and stomatology is mainly aimed at nonsurgical management of oral
health issues which result due to systematic diseases, oral mucosal lesions and
other diseases which may not involve any problem with the teeth. Oral pathology
also comes into consideration when the tasks like biopsy specimen are carried
out.
Diseases that affect
oral health
Some chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes can have
oral manifestations. When these manifestations result in dental issues, the
treatment is carried out by specialists in stomatology. Sometimes, treatment of
other diseases may require a patient to get oral treatment. For instance,
cancer treatment usually results in oral mucosal lesions and pains which
require special oral care.
There are some oral health conditions which are not entirely
understood, and dentists are studying to find connection between the occurrence
of those issues and condition of oral health. Some of those issues include Burning
tongue, sores, ulcers, sensory disorders, taste disorders, movement disorders
and chronic pain.
In order to find out if you require treatment by a stomatologist,
you first need to visit your dentist, who will then refer you to the right
department.
