RESUMO
In this article a few of the more recently emphasized and pertinent conditions that may affect the hard and soft palate have been discussed. The purpose of the article is not to present in all-inclusive classification of lesions occurring the palate. Disease of the palate may be local in nature or may reflect a systemic condition. Dentists must be conscious of the palate as the site of many possible pathoses. The prosthodontist in particular must observe and carefully evaluate the palate and insure its good health before he can prescribe a prosthesis to cover it. Dentistry provides a health service which affects the entire human organism and not just the oral cavity. Therefore an understanding of the varied nature of pathosis as it relates to the oral cavity, and especially the palate, is essential. Continuous surveillance of the palatal regions insures that the dentist's obligation to detect oral abnormalities in patients is in large measure fulfilled.