Oral Health | Clinical and Risk Asessment | Translating information into a diagnosis

Translating information into a diagnosis
Session overview
Description
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

Prerequisites

• Before commencing this session you should:
• complete the e-Den session 1 Patient assessment/The patient's profile/Special tests and baseline records

In addition, you should also have a basic knowledge and experience of:

• taking a history
• examining a patient
• conducting special tests
• identifying dental diseases

Diagnosis begins with the patient’s complaint. History, examination and special tests follow.

In general practice or restorative cases there will normally be a number of diagnoses. For example:

• a periodontal diagnosis
• a caries diagnosis
• a tooth wear diagnosis
• a diagnosis of occlusal problems
• a diagnosis of problems with fixed or 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.