stomatologie

Stomatologie is the medical discipline that studies the structure, function, diseases, and treatment of the mouth and its related structures, including the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and the jaws. The term derives from the Greek stoma, meaning mouth, and logos, meaning study.

Education and clinical practice in stomatologie vary by country. In some regions it is defined as a medical specialty requiring an undergraduate medical degree plus specialized training in areas such as oral medicine, oral pathology, or maxillofacial surgery. In other regions dentistry remains the primary professional track, with stomatology used to describe the medical aspects of oral health or an integrated approach to dental and facial surgery. The exact scope and qualifications reflect national professional systems and regulatory frameworks.

Key areas within stomatologie include oral medicine and pathology, endodontics, periodontology, prosthodontics, orthognathic and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and oral radiology. The field emphasizes prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of diseases affecting the oral cavity, the supporting teeth, and surrounding facial structures. It also covers rehabilitative and surgical procedures, from cavity filling and gum care to complex reconstructive operations.

The discipline recognizes the link between oral health and general health, addressing conditions such as oral cancers, infections, congenital anomalies, trauma, and systemic diseases with oral manifestations. Public health, patient education, and preventive care are central to stomatologie, aiming to reduce disease burden and improve quality of life.