Current perspectives on the training of Oral Pathology specialists in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Oral Pathology (OP) is an important part of diagnosing and managing oral and maxillofacial diseases. Despite being recognized as a specialty in Brazil for over 50 years, significant gaps remain in the availability of specialists and training programs. Therefore, this study aims to map and analyze the training of specialists in OP in Brazil.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using publicly available data from Brazilian governmental databases, including the Federal Council of Dentistry, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and the Ministry of Education. Variables analyzed included the number of OP specialists, their geographic distribution, training opportunities, and population coverage. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using Microsoft® Excel (version 2410) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences® (version 27.0).

In 2024, 424 active OP specialists were registered in Brazil, composed of 240 women and 184 men, representing only 0.3% of all dental specialists. The ratio of OP specialists to inhabitants was 1:478,964, with marked regional disparities. The Southeast had the highest density, while the North had the lowest, with some states lacking any OP specialists. Additionally, 12 active OP training programs were identified, primarily concentrated in the Southeast. Most programs were distance learning, limiting opportunities for practical training. Temporal analysis revealed a decline in OP specialist registrations over the past two decades, despite population growth.

Brazil faces challenges in OP training, including insufficient specialists, uneven regional distribution and limited hands-on training opportunities. The expansion of hybrid training models and the promotion of the OP specialty among dental students are vital to address these issues. Collaborative efforts between educational institutions, professional organizations, and the government are essential to strengthen the specialty and improve early diagnosis rates of oral cancer.