A dental diagnostic is paramount in the prevention of oral disease and the reversal of damage that may have already taken place. However, unlike this family dentist in Cabramatta, most clinicians do not convey the value of an oral diagnosis. Poor communication on the part of clinicians can deter patients from seeking much needed oral attention until it’s too late.
The “loss leader” approach to dental procedures has not helped the situation either. This is where oral procedures that are not expensive can be subsidized to attract clients who would then get a free diagnosis or consultation and then later have more expensive procedures performed on them. This in turn has devalued the importance of having a fulll examination for the patients, clinicians and all parties involved in the process like insurance companies.
Throughout the years, patients have long come to the wrong conclusion that the sole pupose of having a dental diagnosis is to solve a problem or maintain their smile. This means that they don’t get the full benefit of a comprehensive oral examination. A check-up should not automatically ring to mind a problem that will cost them money to have treated. 
Clinicians today are in a prime position to change the mindset of their patients. How can they do so? By effectively communicating to patients the value of the dental diagnostic exam that will be performed on the patient. Another way to gain patient confidence is by routinely performing enhanced head and neck examinations. This exam may also include a tactile checkup followed by an enhanced visual checkup of the oral mucosal tissue using the advanced screeening options that have been developed recently.
It is important for patients to have the proper mindset as well when being examined. The terms used in oral exams may put some off. If the oral exam to be performed says it’s an oral cancer exam, it may lead the patient to think that, cancer is the only thing that can be diagnosed. Enhanced examinations should be to discover any abnormalities regardless of whatever they may be.
So why not have a dental examination done, an enhanced dental examination for that matter. The results would be most likely bring a smile to your face.
