The Dermatologic Oral Examination: Navigating the Oral Dermatoses Map.

Abstract

Traditionally, dermatological education emphasizes hair, skin and nails in its curriculum. There is a practice gap with regard to knowledge of normal oral mucosa variants, performance of the oral examination, and competence in diagnosing and treating oral mucosal disorders. The oral mucosa falls within the purview of dermatology. It is the responsibility of dermatologists, along with oral medicine specialists, to help bridge this practice gap. The purpose of this Part II manuscript is to provide differential diagnoses for common oral mucosal conditions based on sites of involvement. We have provided an Oral Dermatoses Map which illustrates key oral conditions and their associated anatomical areas of involvement.