Translating information into a diagnosis course for Dental Practitioners

As a dentist, you will need to make a thorough diagnosis from a variety of information sources. The aim of the diagnosis is to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for an individual.

Learning objectives

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

• describe the use of the surgical sieve
• structure a radiographic report
• classify dental caries
• write a diagnosis for periodontal disease
• identify the leading aetiology of tooth wear
• classify diseases of endodontic origin
• list the main categories of damaging occlusal forces
• write a diagnosis of problems with fixed and removable prostheses

In some instances, the challenge is to diagnose a patient’s presenting problem, for example facial pain or oral lesions. In such cases, the surgical sieve is helpful in making a provisional diagnosis.