Oral Medicine is that area of special competence concerned with diagnosis disease involving the oral and para oral structures. It includes those principles of medicine that relate to the mouth, as well as research in biological, pathological and clinical spheres. Oral Medicine includes the diagnosis and medical management of disease specific to the orofacial tissues and of oral manifestations of systemic diseases. It further includes the management of behavioral disorders and the oral and dental treatment of medically compromised patients temporo mandibular diseases.

The practice of Oral Medicine dates back to the neo-lithic and ancient period where certain premalignant and malignant diseases are reported to be treated with diverse groups of medications. Since then innumerable disorders affecting the oral cavity are reported. As well said and known that needs clinical expertise and application of precise scientific knowledge to identify oral disease processes and to distinguish one disease from other
Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, St. Joseph Dental College is equipped with the state of the art facility comprising of recent diagnostic aids and central laboratory.

The faculty members are immensely skilled and the department functions towards achieving the following objectives.

1. The diagnosis and treatment plan the diseases/ disorders affecting the oro-facial region.
2. To perform a comprehensive examination, investigations and treatment of oral diseases through application of basic science and clinical research
3. To provide consultation, interpret laboratory tests, radiographs and to make appropriate treatment planning.
4. To promote and disseminate the knowledge of the cause, prevention and control of disease of the teeth and their supporting structures.
5. Management of pharmacotherapeutics necessary for treatment of oral diseases
6. To gain skill in non-surgical management of disease of temporomandibular joint salivary glands, facial pain and other diseases affecting the orofacial region
7. Recognition of the interaction of oral and systemic health
8. To foster a better understanding between the field of dentistry and medicine
9. Provision of care of medically complex patients and those undergoing cancer therapy.
10. To acquire sound knowledge in research, teaching and patient care.

ORAL RADIOLOGY
The other arm of Oral Medicine, is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for diagnosis and management of disease of oro- maxillofacial complex. With digitalization and various advancement in the pre- existing technology. Oral Radiology is on for a rapid itinerary. Dental Radiology in St. Joseph Dental College is expanded and updated to keep abreast with these advanced technologies. The Radiology department is well furnished with recent digital radiographic equipments and the department is designed according to the radiation protection guidelines. CBCT machine help to visualize 3d images & development planning

POST GRADUATE PROGRAMME:

The department offers full time post-graduate study over three years at the end of which the candidate is awarded MDS degree from Dr. NTR University of Heath Sciences, Vijayawada, which is in turn recognized by the Dental Council of India. Students are assessed from time to time by internal assessment exams., case discussions, demonstration, group discussion, viva, seminars and journal clubs, presentations, dissertations, theses submissions, publications and paper presentations in conferences etc.

TOBACCO CESSATION CENTRE & ACTIVITIES (TCC)
Deaddiction programme