Pack the Punch: Soft Tissue Biopsy Technique for the General Dentist

This course will focus on providing the practicing dentist with the knowledge and skills needed to perform diagnostic oral soft tissue biopsies. Participants will learn the rationale for histologic examination, indications for different biopsy modalities, selection of biopsy site and biopsy technique, and communication with the oral pathology specialist.

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Recognize indications for biopsy
• Select the appropriate biopsy site and technique based on clinical presentation
• Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals about oral lesion.

Dr. Trinh is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Columbia College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Trinh completed her DMD degree from Midwestern College of Dental Medicine-Arizona and was accepted into the honorary fraternity of Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Trinh then entered specialty training at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital to receive her Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology certificate. She is a member of Columbia University's oral diagnostics biopsy service and is a clinical provider of oral medicine and oral pathology service at Columbia Doctors. Dr. Trinh teaches Oral Pathology courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has published in peer-reviewed dental and medical journals.

Dr. Vasilyeva is the Director of Radiology and Imaging in the Department of Oral Medicine at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.