Oral Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Odontology is a branch of dentistry which deals with the study and diagnosis of various oral abnormalities, immunology, microbiology, treatment and also prevention of diseases occurring in oral and maxillofacial region. The scope of the subject is not only limited to the diagnosis of pathologies but also it covers a commendable portion of forensic analysis like personnel identification, bite mark analysis, age estimation and sex determination, etc. It encompasses Oral & Dental Anatomy, Oral Histology & Oral Embryology, Oral Pathology, Microbiology & Forensic Odontology. The branch of oral pathology was started in India way back in the 1950s, with post-graduation in the 1960s. Of all the dental specialties, oral pathology is the foundation subject on which the science of dentistry stands, and this branch is unique in many aspects. It is the only branch of dentistry representing the confluence of basic sciences and clinical dentistry.

Division of Oral Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Odontology was started in the Centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER) under the umbrella of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi in 2015. The Division is a pioneer amongst various oral pathology departments in the country in the use of most recent diagnostic techniques for pathologies in oral and maxillofacial region. Currently the department has experienced faculties, well trained lab technicians and state of the art equipment for providing unambiguous reports for the patients. Department provides various services ranging from blood tests to molecular analysis and the standards of the services are ensured by skilled personnel. The division is involved with various oral cancer screening initiatives since its inception like oral cancer screening camps, preparation of MOOC modules on Oral Cancer for WHO regional guidance for southeast Asian region, preparation of module for ANMs on non-communicable diseases for oral cancer screening. Safe dental practice guidelines during COVID pandemic from CDER submitted to MoHFW, teaching of dental technicians working in oral health laboratory and various workshops on training of trainers for oral cancer screening and tobacco control programs. Resource Faculty in workshops for Training of trainers of ASHAs, ANMs, Dentists, MO, SNOs for screening of Oral Cancer at NICPR and NHSRC, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The department is also engaged in various activities like research projects, organising symposiums, workshops, interdepartmental meetings & discussions, outreach programs and collaborations with national institutes like IRCH, IIT, CSIR etc. The main motto of the department is to ensure credibility and strengthening the nation by providing world class diagnostic and therapeutic services to a vast swathe of humanity.