May 9, 2023What is a dental exam? A dental exam is part of a checkup of your teeth and gums. When you see your dentist for a checkup, the visit usuallyÂ
They consist of a full mouth series of x-rays, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, TMJ exam, review of underlying health problems, and thorough assessment of each of your teeth. The goal of a comprehensive exam is for dentists to establish a baseline reading of your entire mouth.
Cancer Screening Exam
Most dentists conduct an oral cancerscreening exam.
This may include a simple visual exam of the soft tissue to check for any apparent lesions, lumps, discolorations or other areas of concern.
An oral exam alone cannot conclude whether any area is cancerous or not.
If your dentist finds an unusual spot that he/she wishes to investigate further, the.
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Diagnosing Problems
Your dentist uses a variety of methods to help diagnose any problems you may have.
This may include:.
1) A visual oral exam.
2) Dental x-rays.
3) Intra-oral pictures.
4) Oral cancer screenings.
5) Discussions with you about any changes you have noticed since your last visit
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Discussing Concerns with Your Dentist
One way to help your dentist uncover any potential issues with your dental health is to discuss any concerns you may have or problems you have experienced since your last dental visit.
Believe it or not, your symptoms alone can help the dentist tremendously in diagnosing a dental condition.
Just remember, there is no concern too small to discuss.
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How much does a dental exam cost?
It is designed to provide dental education programs with a means to assess applicants’ potential for success.
The test fee is $525 and it takes 4.5 hours to complete.
The DAT is offered year round by Prometric test centers in the United States, its territories (including:
- Guam
- Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) and Canada
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Patients Who Should Consider Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
You may want to consider specialized cancer screenings if you have any of the following factors that may put you at an increased risk for oral cancer:.
1) Tobacco useof any kind, including cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, cigars (even if you are not inhaling) and dip.
2) Alcohol use.
3) Previous history of oral cancer Ask your dentist if they thin.
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The Periodic Oral Exam
At each dental visit, the dental technician or dental hygienistwill review your medical history to see if there are any changes that need to be updated.
It is important to let the technician know if you are on any new medications or if you were diagnosed with any medical conditions since your last dental visit.
Once you've discussed any medical cha.
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Use of Dental X-Rays
In order to help find problems in the mouth, your dentist may request to have dental x-raystaken.
These pictures of your mouth and teeth will help your dentist diagnose any potential or existing conditions that require attention.
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What are the requirements for a dental license?
Although requirements vary from state to state, all dental licensure applicants must meet three basic requirements:
- educational
- written examination
- clinical examination
Nearly all states require a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree from a university-based dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
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What is the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE)?
The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) is the agency responsible for the development and administration of the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE).
This 16-member Commission includes ,representatives from dental schools, dental practice, dental examining boards, dental hygiene, dental students and the public.
