Contemplating the Face of the Future of Oral Pathology Practice

Specialized private oral pathology practices appear to be declining in number according to the Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (AAOMP) directory [1]. There are roughly 360 members of the AAOMP who list their country affiliation as the United States of America. These academy members include those in training (residents and fellows), as well as retired (emeritus) members. Of the active oral pathologists in the United States, most are associated with large institutions like dental schools, hospital systems, or government institutions such as the military [1]. In California, the most populous state in the United States, the number of small oral pathology practices has gone from five to four. The number of oral pathologists employed by these remaining practices has declined from seven to five, with some working part-time or maintaining practices in which oral pathology is combined with clinical dental services [1]. The private oral pathology practice paradigm may be changing, reflecting the changes in general dentistry. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), general dentistry practice ownership has fallen from 85% in 2005 to 73% in 2023, with this generally being considered predictive of consolidation [2]. Consolidation is defined as a structural shift in an industry in which a decreasing number of businesses control an increasing share of total sales, assets, or market activity. Given this, are oral pathology practices following suit, and what could these potential changes mean for those practicing?. …