Oral Health | Clinical and Risk Asessment | Special tests and baseline records

Special tests and baseline records
Session overview
Description
This session explores the role of special tests and baseline records in formulating a treatment plan for a patient. Elements of other sessions (such as dental radiography, occlusion, periodontology and endodontics) are identified.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• explain the role of special tests and baseline records
• outline some of the key requirements of the current guidelines on the prescription of dental radiographs
• describe the basic periodontal examination (BPE)
• describe commonly used vitality tests
• outline the uses of transillumination
• explain the tests used for diagnosis of cracked tooth syndrome
• outline the elements of the articulatory system examination
• describe methods of monitoring tooth wear
• outline the uses of articulated and surveyed study casts
• outline the uses of dental photography

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should know about:

• dental radiography
• vitality testing
• the use of special tests and baseline records in dental practice

Special tests are investigations that provide information that cannot be gleaned from your patient’s history and examination.

In other words, it is information that cannot be gathered by using your ears, hands, eyes or dental probes.

In addition to special tests, some investigations may be regarded as baseline records. While not essential for diagnosis, they are helpful in planning treatment, in patient motivation or in providing information for longer term monitoring.