INTRODUCTION
The examination of mucosal surfaces is a crucial portion of a complete dermatologic examination,1 and may provide invaluable clues for the diagnosis of mucocutaneous or systemic disease. The frequency of mucosal examinations, however, varies widely among dermatologists and such surfaces are among the least often examined during a clinical encounter.2,3 Hypotheses for these observations ranges from patient preference, patient perceived discomfort during evaluation, a low prevalence of malignancy, expectation that other specialists examine these areas, differences in training, and lack of formal training and experience in the evaluation of oral mucosae. To our knowledge, only one study exists evaluating knowledge, training, and practice patterns among dermatologists when evaluating and treating oral mucosae.4 Among the parameters queried, 54 of 88 (61%) practicing dermatologists in the United Kingdom responded that their training in oral medicine was inadequate for the scope of their clinical practice.4 This study attempts to evaluate the scope of residency training and provide foundational data regarding the current state of education regarding oral mucosal dermatology in the United States (US).
A total of 142 dermatology residency training programs were identified via the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education public program search database. An anonymous REDCap cross-sectional survey was distributed to program directors (PDs) of all dermatology residency training programs. This study was exempt by the New York University Langone Health Institutional Review Board. Thirty-two completed surveys (22.5% of all dermatology residencies) were obtained. All geographic regions were represented. Table 1 outlines program characteristics. Table 2 summarizes PDs' opinions of and confidence in residents’ abilities regarding oral mucosal dermatology and displays available teaching resources in residency and practice patterns among residents. Scores on the Likert-type scale of "4" or "5" were classified as the PD acknowledging importance in the field of dermatology or affirming confidence in the residents' ability in various settings. To our knowledge, this study is the only of its kind to evaluate US training of dermatologists in oral mucosal disorders. Understanding the current climate of residency training in oral mucosal disorders enables the identification of deficiencies to more thoroughly prepare residents for clinical practice. This study evaluated PDs' confidence in the ability of their residents in several areas. About 34.3% expressed confidence in their resident’s ability to recognize normal variants of the oral cavity, diagnose oral mucosal diseases (37.6%), and perform procedures on the oral mucosa (40.6%). Furthermore, only 63.3% of PDs reported that their residents routinely examine the oral mucosa as part of the total body skin examination. Inconsistent oral mucosal evaluation as part of the physical examination during resident training may be a contributing factor to the reported
A total of 142 dermatology residency training programs were identified via the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education public program search database. An anonymous REDCap cross-sectional survey was distributed to program directors (PDs) of all dermatology residency training programs. This study was exempt by the New York University Langone Health Institutional Review Board. Thirty-two completed surveys (22.5% of all dermatology residencies) were obtained. All geographic regions were represented. Table 1 outlines program characteristics. Table 2 summarizes PDs' opinions of and confidence in residents’ abilities regarding oral mucosal dermatology and displays available teaching resources in residency and practice patterns among residents. Scores on the Likert-type scale of "4" or "5" were classified as the PD acknowledging importance in the field of dermatology or affirming confidence in the residents' ability in various settings. To our knowledge, this study is the only of its kind to evaluate US training of dermatologists in oral mucosal disorders. Understanding the current climate of residency training in oral mucosal disorders enables the identification of deficiencies to more thoroughly prepare residents for clinical practice. This study evaluated PDs' confidence in the ability of their residents in several areas. About 34.3% expressed confidence in their resident’s ability to recognize normal variants of the oral cavity, diagnose oral mucosal diseases (37.6%), and perform procedures on the oral mucosa (40.6%). Furthermore, only 63.3% of PDs reported that their residents routinely examine the oral mucosa as part of the total body skin examination. Inconsistent oral mucosal evaluation as part of the physical examination during resident training may be a contributing factor to the reported
