Lesson 1Red flags and referral criteria for specialist input (endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery)Spot key warning signs in exams and X-rays that need specialist help, and know when to quickly consult root canal experts, gum specialists, oral surgeons, or others for better patient safety and results.
Endodontic referral indicators and complexityPeriodontal referral based on staging and gradingOral surgery referral for impacted or complex teethSuspicious lesions and urgent oncology referralTrauma cases needing multidisciplinary inputCommunicating findings in referral lettersLesson 2Use of auxiliary tests: blood glucose considerations, bleeding risk assessment, and when to liaise with medical providersReview extra tests for dental work like blood sugar checks, bleeding risks, and when to team up with doctors for patients with complex health issues.
Chairside blood glucose thresholds for treatmentINR, platelet count, and bleeding risk factorsAnticoagulant and antiplatelet management basicsWhen to defer care and seek medical clearanceCoordinating care with primary physiciansDocumenting medical advice and shared decisionsLesson 3Extraoral and intraoral examination steps: soft tissue, TMJ, lymph nodes, occlusion, periodontal screening (PSR/CPPITN)Follow a clear sequence for outside-mouth and inside-mouth exams, checking face balance, jaw joints, neck glands, soft tissues, bite fit, and gum health with PSR or CPITN tools, adjusted for young and older patients.
Facial inspection and assessment of symmetryTMJ palpation, range of motion, and joint soundsLymph node palpation and infection red flagsSoft tissue inspection and oral cancer screeningOcclusal analysis and functional assessmentPSR and CPITN periodontal screening protocolsLesson 4Comprehensive history-taking: medical, dental, social, behavioral, medications, allergies, and diabetes-specific questionsMaster full patient history collection for all ages, blending health, dental, social, and habit details, focusing on medicines, allergies, diabetes, and how they shape safe, personal dental plans.
Core elements of a comprehensive dental historyScreening for systemic disease and hospitalizationsMedication review, interactions, and xerostomia riskAllergy verification and documentation standardsDiabetes-focused questions and glycemic controlSocial, behavioral, and substance use historyLesson 5Special considerations for pediatric exam techniques and behavioral observation during assessmentTailor exam methods for children with age-fit talk, behaviour tips, non-verbal cue reading, and adjusted checks and X-rays to ease fears and boost cooperation.
Tell–show–do and positive reinforcement methodsNonverbal behavior and anxiety recognitionKnee-to-knee exam and lap-to-lap positioningModified radiographic techniques for childrenParental presence and communication strategiesAssessing growth, eruption, and caries riskLesson 6Pulp and periapical assessment: percussion, palpation, sensibility testing (cold, EPT), and interpretationPerform pulp and root-tip checks with tapping, pressing, cold tests, and electric pulp testers, then read results alongside X-rays and exam notes for spot-on diagnosis.
Percussion and palpation techniques and findingsCold testing protocols and response patternsElectric pulp testing indications and pitfallsDifferentiating reversible and irreversible pulpitisDiagnosing necrotic pulp and acute apical abscessCorrelating clinical tests with radiographic signsLesson 7Documentation and clinical photography: standardized intraoral photos, image labeling, and record keeping for diagnosis and consentSet up standard mouth photos, camera setups, cheek pulling, photo tagging, and safe record storage to back diagnosis, treatment plans, progress tracking, and patient agreement.
Essential elements of a complete dental recordStandard intraoral photographic series viewsCamera selection, settings, and lighting basicsUse of mirrors, retractors, and contrastorsImage labeling, storage, and backup systemsUsing photos for patient education and consentLesson 8Radiographic features of caries, endodontic pathology, periodontal bone loss, and prosthetic planningIdentify X-ray signs of decay, pulp-root issues, gum bone loss, and planning needs for replacements, like crown-root balance, bone strength, and implant limits.
Radiographic appearance of enamel and dentin cariesDetecting recurrent and root surface cariesPulpal calcifications and periapical radiolucenciesPatterns of horizontal and vertical bone lossAssessing bone height, width, and densityEvaluating abutment teeth and crown–root ratioLesson 9Radiographic selection and interpretation: bitewings, periapicals, panoramic, CBCT indications and radiation safety principles (ALARA)Choose the right X-rays like bitewings, single-tooth shots, full panoramas, or 3D CBCT based on age and risk, covering radiation basics, choice rules, ALARA safety, and patient shields.
Indications for bitewings in caries risk groupsPeriapical views for endodontic and trauma casesPanoramic radiographs in mixed and adult dentitionsCBCT indications, limitations, and dose concernsRadiation biology basics and ALARA applicationLead shielding, collimation, and exposure protocols
