Dentists can recognize changes in the oral cavity which can indicate more serious systemic diseases.  This list of things Dentists and Hygienists look for and occasionally find is far from complete but will give you an idea of the extent of knowledge and care that is applied in a "routine" examination.

Lichen Planus, Geographic Tongue, Thrush, Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Stomatitis (aka ANUG or Vincent's Stomatitis), Pemphigus, Sexually transmitted diseases  (STD's), Diabetes, Kaposi's Sarcoma, Padgett's Disease, herpes simplex, apthous ulcerations, and many more.

Once recognized some of these conditions require additional diagnostic techniques to confirm the clinical diagnosis.  Appropriate referrals to physicians, oral surgeons and other health care professionals are used to help provide the best possible care.

Last modified: 05/03/04