Oral Medicine
Oral Medicine is the branch and specialty of dentistry concerned with the oral health care of medically complex patients, and with the diagnosis and non-surgical management of medically related diseases, disorders, and conditions that affect the oral and maxillofacial region.
Examination Format
| Element | Format | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Oral Pathology (oral) | Virtual | 2 hours |
| Clinical Oral Medicine (oral) | Virtual | 2 hours |
The Fellowship Examination in Oral Medicine evaluates the advanced clinical judgment, diagnostic reasoning, and communication skills required of a Fellow in Oral Medicine. The objective is to assess a candidate’s ability to synthesize information, make sound treatment decisions, and manage complex patient care scenarios at the level expected of a Fellow of The Royal College of Dentists of Canada. The examination emphasizes applied clinical reasoning, patient-centered decision making, and professional communication.
| Structure | Takes place over two days, with candidates completing one oral case-based session (two hours) on each day. |
| Format | Each session consists of a series of structured clinical cases designed to reflect real-world oral medicine practice. |
| Assessment | Performance is evaluated using the Global Rating Scale (GRS), which emphasizes judgment, reasoning, and communication across multiple domains. |
| Examiner Role | Examiners are responsible for pacing the examination and guiding the discussion. Examiners may supplement case scenarios with text, clinical photographs, radiographs, or other imaging as part of the discussion. |
| Candidate Role | Candidates are expected to approach each case as they would in practice: by gathering and interpreting information, formulating a diagnosis, developing and justifying treatment options, and communicating their decisions clearly. Candidates are encouraged to think aloud, explain their reasoning, and communicate their approach as they would in a clinical setting. |
Examination Blueprint
| Domain | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Patient Assessment and Diagnosis | 30 – 40% |
| Treatment Planning and Management | 20 – 30% |
| Treatment Evaluation and Modification | 30 – 40% |
| Communication | 5 – 15% |
Blueprint
Oral Medicine
Preparation
Preparation should focus on applied reasoning and communication rather than memorization. Candidates are encouraged to:
- Practice structured case discussions, individually or with peers.
- Rehearse verbalizing reasoning, including justification of decisions and management of uncertainty.
- Review the example case provided to become familiar with the style of questioning and depth of response expected.
- Focus on clarity, structure, and professionalism in communication
FDI Two-Digit Tooth Numbering Chart
The Fellowship Examination uses the FDI Two-Digit system.
Sample Case
Oral Medicine