A professional who studies nature, cause, and development of diseases associated with mouth. Responsibilities include:

• Examines patient's mouth, jaw, face, and associated areas and obtains specimen, using medical instruments.
• Examines specimen from patient's mouth or associated area to determine pathological conditions, such as tumors and lesions, using microscope and other laboratory equipment and applying knowledge of medical pathology and dentistry.
• Discusses diagnosis with patient and referring practitioner.