Oral Medicine in Latin America and the Caribbean: A comprehensive survey of recognition, training, and practice.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the scope of training and practice in Oral Medicine in Latin American and Caribbean countries. It explored legal, professional, and academic scope of regional OM practice, as well as current challenges perceived by experts in the field.

Material and methods: We employed an observational, cross-sectional approach, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire delivered through the REDCap web platform.

Results: Oral Medicine is officially recognized as a dental specialty in 66.7% of Latin American and Caribbean countries, and 66.7% countries recognize it as a standalone field, separate from Oral Pathology. Additionally, 23.8% of the surveyed countries have national postgraduate Oral Medicine programs. Nearly half (47.6%) of the countries lack specific regulations, and there is significant variation in understanding clinical competencies. Private practice emerged as the dominant field of work for Oral Medicine practitioners. Notably, 90.5% of respondents identified the lack of recognition by multidisciplinary teams as a significant barrier to the practice.

Conclusions: This study provides information on the current landscape of Oral Medicine practice in Latin American and Caribbean countries. It highlights disparities in recognition, regulation, and performance of the specialty. These findings call for international initiatives aimed at enhancing training pathways, scope of practice and the impact of Oral Medicine in the region.