The requirements for the award of a CCST in oral pathology are to complete an SAC-approved training programme and obtain the MRCPath in oral pathology by examination.
The detailed specification of training for the MRCPath is published by The Royal College of Pathologists. In essence, this consists of a five-year period of training. After a minimum of 2½ years approved training, candidates can become eligible to sit the Part 1 examination. This training must include one year of experience in a general histopathology laboratory. The training period in general histopathology need not be a continuous period of secondment, but can be achieved flexibly to accumulate the equivalent of one year of full-time training. The Part 1 MRCPath examination is a wide-ranging written test in oral and general pathology. On completion of Part 1 MRCPath, candidates require to undertake a further period of training in oral pathology before becoming eligible to sit the Part 2 examination, which can be sat after a minimum of 4½ years of approved training. The Part 2 examination consists of practical and oral examinations, which test the full range of professional competence in oral pathology. This includes knowledge of the wider issues of running a specialist oral pathology laboratory.
Trainees in oral pathology are likely to have significant teaching and research commitments, in addition to their specialist pathology training. These will be complementary to their training. It is not practicable to specify detailed targets and time periods required for different aspects of training, although individual trainees will require to develop a coherent programme in conjunction with their educational supervisor. Candidates require to maintain a Record of Specialist Training in histopathology and this will be used in the annual assessments conducted through the Postgraduate Deanery.
Over the minimum five-year training period, the trainee should acquire and develop:
· an understanding of the scientific basis of histopathology, based on a sound knowledge of anatomy and histology, cell biology and the principles of pathology
· sound working knowledge and understanding of general histopathology
· specialised factual knowledge of diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region
· interpretative skills in the diagnosis of diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region at both macroscopic and microscopic levels
· the capability to provide accurate and complete reports on biopsy and resection material, taking account of all relevant specialist reporting guidelines
· knowledge and understanding of laboratory technology to allow appropriate selection of techniques for specific diagnostic situations and so that quality control and quality assurance procedures are properly implemented
· detailed knowledge of health and safety, as applied to a histopathology laboratory
· management skills required for the independent running of an oral pathology laboratory.
On successful completion of the MRCPath by examination, the SAC in Histopathology will normally recommend to The Royal College of Pathologists that the academic requirements for award of a CCST in oral pathology have been met. The Royal College of Pathologists will appraise the SAC for the Additional Dental Specialties of this examination success. It will then be the responsibility of the SAC for the Additional Dental Specialties in liaison with the relevant Postgraduate Dental Deanery, through the RITA process, to ensure that all required training has been completed.
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