Postgraduate Training in Australia and New Zealand
Oral pathology, either alone or with oral medicine, is recognised as a dental speciality in Australia and New Zealand, but there is lack of uniformity in registration requirements in the various regions. Training in oral pathology has traditionally been university based, with eligibility for specialist registration after a Masters degree (usually three years full-time study). In 1996, the Faculty of Oral Pathology (FOP) of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) was formed. Dental graduates, after undertaking accredited training, could now take examinations to become a Fellow of the FOP. Some State Dental Boards recognise the FFOP as a requirement for registration, but for most the Masters degree remains the requirement. Consultation between the State Boards, the Australian Dental Council, the Dental Council of New Zealand, the RCPA and the Universities is necessary to address these issues. Increased university tuition fees, scarcity of funded training positions and uncertain career opportunities has meant there are few applications for positions in oral pathology postgraduate programmes.
Pathology laboratories in Australasia must be formally accredited to receive government funding for the tests they provide. Approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory for all Fellows of the RCPA and Dental Boards are increasingly requiring evidence of CPD before issuing annual practising certificates.