Introduction
Introduction to the Oral Cavity
The examination of the oral cavity is the first module in the head and neck examination series. The oral cavity is a highly complex area and is often overlooked in patient examination. However, a wealth of information can be gleaned about oral and systemic health and disease from this examination, if done well. Sinister and subtle lesions can be identified early if they are sought after. Left undiscovered, they can be fatal.
Patients with oral pathology can present to any clinician, in a variety of clinical settings, therefore clinical examination skills and early recognition of potentially serious disorders, is of paramount importance. All clinicians should adopt a high index of suspicion and these cases should be referred to the regional Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery unit without delay.
It is not the intention of this CAL to comprehensively cover the subjects of oral medicine, oral pathology, oral surgery or dentistry however, this module will give you the basic skills and confidence to examine this anatomic region systematically and competently. Emphasis will be placed on the significance of some of the common findings that may be encountered and their possible differential diagnoses.
Objectives:
By the end of this self-learning unit you should be able to:
- Describe the anatomy of oral and peri-oral structures
- Recognise normal soft and hard tissues anatomy
- Perform a systematic clinical examination of the oral cavity
- Recognise common pathology of the oral soft and hard tissues
- Recognise situations where specialist referral is indicated
