Oral Pathology and Radiology Certificate

The Certificate in Oral Pathology and Radiology is a hybrid-online program with a total of 10 courses (13 academic units), specifically designed for the practicing professional who wants to improve skills and gain expertise to deliver the best care for patients with complex oral conditions. The certificate curriculum is designed with a series of didactic courses where students will gain knowledge about the diagnosis, pathobiology and treatment of different oral diseases in the field of Oral Pathology and to use conventional and advanced imaging studies for the diagnostic process. The goal of this postdoctoral one-year certificate program is to give practicing dental or medical health care providers advanced clinical, didactic, and evidence-based education in the field of oral diagnostics, specifically oral pathology and radiology. With the onset of new diseases to dentistry and advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics in the last few decades, many clinicians may feel ill-prepared to comprehensively manage patients with oral lesions or patients with oral manifestations of complex medical conditions. Therefore, this program taught by expert USC Henry Ostrow School of Dentistry faculty is designed to provide clinicians with knowledge and confidence necessary to provide patient care. 

The students participate in weekly, live, online sessions with faculty and other program residents, ensuring a collaborative and social learning experience. There are two-three courses per trimester, with two-four streaming video lectures for viewing each week. After each video lecture students complete an associated online quiz (comprising multiple choice, short answer or fill-in questions). The program is primarily online but also includes a 10-day practical training conducted on-campus at USC, with skills development and competence evaluation. At the end of the program, the students present and defend a case portfolio.