Stomatology is the study of the mouth and related structures, including anatomy, pathology, and procedures. It can be a separate medical specialty from dentistry and is used in forensics. It requires at least 10 years of education and training.
Stomatology is a medical discipline that concerns the study of the mouth. It was historically a recognized medical specialty in many regions of the world, although today people are more likely to refer to stomatology as “dental medicine,” depending on where they are. In some countries it is still possible to specialize in stomatology as a separate discipline from dentistry.
Stomatologists, like other medical professionals, study the anatomy and physiology of the body, in this case focusing on the mouth and related structures, to learn about the anatomy of healthy people. This includes the study of teeth, research into how teeth form and the role of different types of teeth in the mouth, along with studies of the mucous membranes of the mouth, jaw and palate. Anatomy education is accomplished with the help of a variety of resources, including anatomy textbooks, cadavers to study, and interactions with living patients.
These medical professionals also study the pathology of disease processes in the mouth, including everything from yeast infections to jaw necrosis. A stomatologist can use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify problems in your mouth, including medical imaging studies to examine your teeth, cultures to explore the possibility of bacterial infection, physical exams, and blood tests to see if your oral problems are related or cause systemic problems.
The practice of stomatology also includes performing a variety of procedures in the mouth. During their training, dentists have the opportunity to observe and practice a wide range of oral procedures so they can learn to perform them safely, correctly and quickly. Things like tooth extractions, gum grafts, and fillings can all come under the practice of dentistry. The study of stomatology also includes applying the knowledge of this field to forensics, to identify victims, criminals and other people involved in forensic cases.
This discipline can be quite broad, and there are a range of settings in which it can be applied, including classrooms, clinics, hospitals and forensic settings. The length of time you spend studying stomatology can vary, depending on where you intend to work and the type of practice you are interested in. As a general rule, individuals should plan to be in school for at least 10 years to study stomatology and pursue a professional career in this field, including graduate work along with medical training, residency, fellowships, and postgraduate work.
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