Oral Pathology

MAWD Oral Pathology was established in 2021 with the addition of Dr. Aparna Naidu to the MAWD team and Dr. Bruce Barker as an expert consultant. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists specialize in the diagnosis of conditions affecting the oral cavity and craniofacial region. The includes inflammatory, immune-mediated, and neoplastic conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, oral and oropharyngeal cancer and precancer, jaw tumors, and salivary gland tumors.

Dr. Naidu is a licensed dentist with advanced pathology training. She is highly specialized in the unique diseases which affect the oral cavity and craniofacial structures. Also trained in the clinical evaluation of patients, Dr. Naidu and Dr. Barker can correlate the histologic analysis with clinical outcomes and offer the best guidance possible to their contributing doctors.

MAWD Oral Pathologists are experts in the field and well respected throughout the region. MAWD offers histopathologic analysis of tissue specimens, including direct immunofluorescence, extensive IHC panels, and p16 testing of HPV related cancers. All MAWD pathologists are available for expert consultation.

Oral Pathologists provide expert analysis of specimens for:

Oral Surgeons
Periodontists
Endodontists
General Dentists
Otolaryngologists (ENTs)

Oral Pathology clients benefits from all resources MAWD has to offer, including our established courier network and participation in all major insurance plans.

Aparna Naidu, DDS, MS

Oral Pathologist

Dr. Naidu is a hospital staff member at University Health - Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital. She has held multiple leadership roles in the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Dr. Naidu earned her DDS from Northwestern University and her MS in Biomedical Sciences and Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from Baylor College of Dentistry - Texas A&M University.

Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Bruce Barker, DDS

Oral Pathologist

Dr. Barker is an expert consultant for MAWD Oral Pathology. He has practiced oral and maxillofacial pathology for over 40 years and was a faculty member and Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri - Kansas City prior to joining MAWD. Dr. Barker previously served as President of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. He earned his DDS from the University of Michigan and his Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from the University of Southern California.

Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Fellow and past President, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology