DentalCare Logo
ce715 - Images - Main Source Image

CE715 - Caries Process, Prevention and Management: Diagnosis

COURSE NUMBER: 715

Anchal Malik Chopra, BDS, MHA

Credit Hours:

2 Hour(s)

PDF

This is part 6 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention and Management. This course introduces dental professionals to the importance of caries diagnosis in preventing dental disease and its vital connection to treatment p...

View More

(Use this feature to create assignments for your students and staff.)

Overview

This is part 6 of a 10-part series entitled Caries Process, Prevention and Management. This course introduces dental professionals to the importance of caries diagnosis in preventing dental disease and its vital connection to treatment planning. A precise and early diagnosis of caries is fundamental to implementing effective preventive measures, minimizing the need for invasive interventions, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.


The two main methods of lesion diagnosis used today—the visual–tactile or visual methods and bitewing radiography; are discussed, including recent advancements that improve their sensitivity, as well as their limitations. Topics also include newer evidence-based approaches to caries diagnosis and management, a brief discussion of why too-early caries lesion diagnosis can be counterproductive and the benefits of enlisting the help of pediatricians in diagnosing caries in children.

  • Intended Audience:

    Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students, Advanced Dental Therapists

  • Date Course Online:

    Jun 30, 2025

  • Last Revision Date:

    NA

  • Course Expiration Date:

    Jun 29, 2028

  • Cost:

    Free

  • Method:

    Self-instructional

  • AGD Subject Code(s):

    10

  • 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:


  • Understand the role of caries diagnosis in disease prevention.
  • Differentiate between various types of carious lesions and their activity status.
  • Utilize both conventional and advanced diagnostic tools effectively.
  • Integrate caries diagnosis into comprehensive treatment planning.
  • Discuss the difference between the medical and dental perspective of caries diagnosis.
  • Identify the tools and diagnostic criteria of visual–tactile methods.
  • Be familiar with the benefits and limitations of visual–tactile methods.
  • Identify diagnostic criteria of the bitewing radiography method, as well as its benefits and limitations.

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)

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Dr. Amid I. Ismail for providing foundational content for the original version of this course and for his contributions to previous versions of a similar course.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

  • Dr. Malik Chopra is a Board member of the American Academy of Cariology (AAC), and also serves as the Chair elect for American Dental Education Association Section for Cariology and Cariology consultant to the American Dental Association (ADA). She has no conflicts of interest or other relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Anchal Malik Chopra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dental Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She plays ...

View More

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

AGD Pace Logo

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 Logo

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.