For Students and Residents
What Do You Actually Do in Graduate School?
What You Will Do in Graduate School to Become an Oral Pathologist
To become a specialist in oral pathology, it is essential to gain hands-on experience in both diagnosis and research during graduate school. The following activities are part of your training:
Gain practical experience in oral pathology diagnostics (histopathology and cytology) under the supervision of certified instructors
Study autopsy and systemic pathology at institutions such as Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital and the Department of Pathology at Hiroshima University
Select a research topic and conduct independent research for your degree
Guide undergraduate students and junior graduate students
Present at lab meetings and departmental conferences
Present your research and diagnostic cases at academic conferences and write scientific papers
Become a Certified Oral Pathologist!
In our graduate program, students actively participate in oral pathology diagnostics, including histopathology and cytology. Under the guidance of supervising professors and board-certified pathologists, you will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of clinical cases and build both your diagnostic skills and academic knowledge.
- Case Discussions
Every morning, we review diagnostic cases using a multi-headed microscope and monitor, engaging in in-depth discussions to strengthen our clinical judgment and knowledge. - Oral Cancer Board
We participate in multidisciplinary tumor board meetings with oral surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and other specialists. These meetings provide opportunities to contribute insights from an oral pathology perspective in the clinical management of oral cancer patients. - Slide Conferences
Graduate students regularly attend slide conferences hosted at the local (Hiroshima), regional (Chugoku–Shikoku), and national levels by pathology and oral pathology societies. These are valuable opportunities to enhance diagnostic skills and learn from challenging cases. - Autopsy and Systemic Pathology
Students also have the opportunity to observe and participate in autopsy and systemic pathology training through collaboration with the Department of Pathology at Hiroshima University Hospital and nearby hospitals. - Research and Presentations
Research projects may include immunohistochemical and genetic analysis of clinical cases. Students are encouraged to present their work at academic conferences—both domestic and international—and publish case reports or original research papers.
Our program supports students in obtaining the qualifications and certifications necessary to become board-certified oral pathologists.
Licensed Autopsy Practitioner
Required for performing autopsies. With sufficient experience, this qualification can often be obtained during graduate school.Board-Certified Oral Pathologist
Certified by the Japanese Society of Pathology. After gaining sufficient experience in diagnostic pathology, autopsy, and systemic pathology, students can take the board exam—often as early as the first year after earning a PhD.Board-Certified Dental Cytopathologist
Requires practical experience in oral cytology. While this may be obtained during graduate school, students are encouraged to prioritize oral pathology board certification first.Board-Certified Molecular Pathologist (Oral)
This advanced certification requires prior completion of oral pathology board certification. It also demands knowledge and experience in cancer genomic medicine, including participation in expert panels.
What Does a Career in Oral Pathology Look Like?
After completing a doctoral degree in our laboratory, a wide range of career paths is available. For those aiming to engage in diagnostic practice, obtaining (or planning to obtain) the relevant certifications mentioned above is essential.
1. Becoming a University Faculty Member
You may pursue a career as a faculty member in a university, continuing your work in oral pathology through clinical diagnostics and academic research. This career path requires a well-rounded skill set, including diagnostic, research, teaching, and English communication abilities. It is a core position that plays a key role in advancing the future of oral pathology.
2. Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is a valuable opportunity—ideally undertaken at a younger age when possible. By engaging in research at an international laboratory, you can enhance your research capabilities and global perspective. Many return to Japan afterward to pursue academic positions in oral pathology.
3. Becoming a Full-Time Researcher
After gaining international experience, some graduates go on to work at research institutions in Japan or continue their research careers abroad. This path focuses on contributing to science through independent research in molecular pathology, cancer biology, or related fields.
4. Hospital-Based Diagnostic Pathology
With appropriate qualifications—especially board certification in oral pathology—it may be possible to join the pathology department of a general hospital and work as a diagnostic oral pathologist. This depends on the institution’s policies but is a recognized and growing pathway.
5. Working in Private Practice
Some graduates apply the advanced knowledge of oral pathology they gained in graduate school to clinical practice in a private dental office. This path is well suited to those who wish to combine clinical care with a strong scientific foundation.
Empowering Young Talent and Embracing Diversity to Drive Research Forward
Upon entering graduate school, students begin full-scale research activities. From the first to fourth year, research is conducted in parallel with training in diagnostic pathology.
Our lab welcomes not only students specializing in oral pathology, but also those from other clinical backgrounds such as oral and maxillofacial surgery (oral tumor control science) and orthodontics, creating a diverse and collaborative environment that integrates clinical experience into research.
Students engage in hands-on research using a variety of techniques, including cell-based experiments, mouse models, histopathological analysis, and omics approaches such as genomics and proteomics.
Regular activities include journal clubs, lab meetings, and one-on-one mentoring sessions, all of which foster deep scientific discussion and individual growth.
We also hold joint meetings with researchers from other fields, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding perspectives for future joint research.
Students actively present their work at academic conferences in Japan, and are routinely encouraged to present and discuss in English, with the goal of participating in international conferences.
Opportunities for short-term overseas training (e.g., in the United States or Taiwan) are also available.
Students are encouraged to apply for support programs such as the SPRING Program (Hiroshima University Program for Fostering and Supporting Next-Generation Researchers). If accepted, they receive financial support for living expenses and research activities.
Message from the Professor to Those Interested in Oral Pathology
Oral pathology is not only a discipline for deeply understanding the nature of disease—it is also a vital component of clinical diagnosis that guides treatment decisions.
It sits at the unique intersection between basic science and clinical medicine, making it both intellectually stimulating and practically impactful.
In our field, you can immerse yourself in research while also engaging in meaningful clinical work.
That balance—the joy of exploring science and the responsibility of making real-world diagnostic contributions—is one of the most rewarding aspects of oral pathology.
In recent years, the role of oral pathologists has expanded with the rise of cancer genomic medicine, companion diagnostics, and precision oncology, making the field more exciting and relevant than ever.
If you’re a student or resident and find yourself thinking, “This actually sounds kind of interesting…”, I encourage you to reach out.
Even a short visit to our lab—or just sending an email—is very welcome.
I would be delighted if learning about our work helps you consider oral pathology as one of your future options.
Let’s explore this fascinating field together.
Feel free to contact me anytime at Toshinori Ando (toando19@hiroshima-u.ac.jp).
I look forward to hearing from you!
