Patient examination and diagnosis

History taking incorporating appropriate dental, medical, social, demographical, cultural, nutritional, psychological and genetic factors.

Comprehensive oral health assessment of the patient, identifying symptoms, principal complaint and relevant history.

Skeletal, dental and occlusal relationships in the primary, mixed and permanent dentition

Hard and soft tissue developmental abnormalities and diagnosis of conditions which may require investigation, treatment or onward referral.

Oral hygiene and use of relevant information such as dental attendance pattern, ability, motivation and commitment to promote its improvement.

Mucosal, gingival and periodontal health and disease, and conditions which may require investigation, treatment or onward referral.

Location, extent and activity of tooth surface loss and caries, and appropriate management planning at all levels of complexity appropriate to their own competence and resources available.

Pulpal health and disease, and conditions which may require treatment or onward referral.

Appropriate and risk assessed radiographic imaging examination that meets the diagnostic needs of the patient in line with current national guidance.

Accurate radiographic examination and expose, process, assess, report and store the radiograph correctly in line with current national guidance.

Differential diagnosis and management plan based on evidence from an oral health assessment / urgent care assessment and risk screening, through the correct interpretation of clinical findings.

Influence of systemic diseases and other disabilities (and associated treatment) on oral health and the delivery of dental treatment.

Evaluation and management of patients’ treatment expectations, identification of the degree to which they can be met and discussion of the different options.

Clinical record keeping in line with current national guidance

Assessment of the patient enabling the early diagnosis of potentially malignant oral diseases and / or orofacial neoplastic change, and be knowledgeable about referral protocols (including local arrangements) taking into account the degree of urgency.

Signs of abuse or neglect in vulnerable groups and the local procedures that should be followed when reporting such circumstances.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal diseases, and identify conditions which may require treatment or onward referral.

Clinical features associated with oral mucosal diseases, and identify conditions which may require treatment or onward referral (including urgent referrals for suspected head and neck cancer).

Spectrum of patient behaviour which may contribute to orofacial problems, or ability to cooperate with care or treatment plans, and conditions which require prevention or management

Risk assessment prior to referral for sedation or general anaesthesia.

Principles of a basic clinical examination, including blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature.

Diagnostic procedures, including biopsy.