A Guide to Clinical Differential Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Lesions
COURSE NUMBER: 110
Michael W. Finkelstein, DDS, MS; Emily Lanzel, DDS, MS; John W. Hellstein, DDS, MS
Credit Hours:
4 Hour(s)
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This course will provide an overview of common oral mucosal entities, including their presentation, management and diagnosis. The primary goal of this course is to help dental professionals learn the process of clinical differential diagnos...
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Overview
This course will provide an overview of common oral mucosal entities, including their presentation, management and diagnosis. The primary goal of this course is to help dental professionals learn the process of clinical differential diagnosis of diseases and lesions of the oral mucosa. This course also includes both an interactive and downloadable decision tree to assist in the diagnosis.
Several atlases are recommended in the Additional Resources section of this course. The textual material in this course is designed to be used with “The Oral Pathology Image Database (Atlas).”
Please note that lesions or diseases discussed in the textual material that have clinical images available on “The Oral Pathology Image Database” are designated with *.
Intended Audience:
Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students
Date Course Online:
Jun 4, 2002
Last Revision Date:
Mar 25, 2023
Course Expiration Date:
Mar 24, 2026
Cost:
Free
Method:
Self-instructional
AGD Subject Code(s):
730
Technical Requirements:
Stable internet connection and the latest version of browser and device software are recommended.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Classify oral lesions into surface lesions and soft tissue enlargements using a decision tree (flowchart).
- Describe the clinical features that are characteristic of each class of oral mucosal lesions in the decision tree, including:
- White surface lesions - epithelial thickening, surface debris, and subepithelial change
- Generalized pigmented surface lesions
- Localized pigmented surface lesions - intravascular blood, extravascular blood, melanin pigment, and tattoo
- Vesicular-ulcerated-erythematous surface lesions - hereditary, autoimmune, viral, mycotic, and idiopathic
- Reactive soft tissue enlargements of oral mucosa
- Benign tumors of oral mucosa - epithelial, mesenchymal, and salivary gland
- Malignant neoplasms of oral mucosa
- Cysts of oral mucosa
- Describe the characteristic or unique clinical features of the most common and/or important diseases of the oral mucosa.
- Perform a step-by-step clinical differential diagnosis, using the decision tree, for patients with oral mucosal lesions.
Disclaimers
- P&G is providing these resource materials to dental professionals. We do not own this content nor are we responsible for any material herein.
- Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.
Note: Registration is required to take test.
Author(s)
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement
- The late Dr. Finkelstein reported no conflicts of interest associated with this course when he last updated it. The staff at P&G expresses our condolences regarding the loss of Dr. Finkelstein on December 28, 2013. He was a passionate advocate for dental education who reached tens of thousands of students and patients with his knowledge of oral pathology that spanned a career of over 30 years at the University of Iowa.
- Dr. Lanzel and Dr. Hellstein report no conflicts of interest associated with this course.
Submission Information
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission For credit transfers to appear in your AGD account in real time, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the “Share Your Test Score” page.
CE Broker For all states that use CE Broker for licensure, “proof of completions” are electronically reported the first of every month. If a course was taken in November, the “proof of completion” will be submitted the beginning of December.
Recognition
Approved PACE Program Provider
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027
Provider ID# 211886
AADH Approved Program Provider
Procter & Gamble is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPGC (January 1, 2024-December 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.
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