Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and pathology which deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research, diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical or other examinations, and management of patients. In the United States it is one of the nine specialties officially recognized by the American Dental Association and the federal government, and because of this it has its own national certifying board, the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology. Oral pathologists operate biopsy services for the dental and medical professions, and many also operate clinical diagnosis and management clinics (clinical oral pathology).