Screening for Oral Diseases

Despite significant advances in global population health, oral diseases remain widespread in both developed and developing countries. Dental caries, periodontal disorders, tooth loss, oral mucosal lesions, oropharyngeal malignancies, HIV/AIDS-related oral diseases and oro-dental injuries are serious public health issues globally. An oral health screening is a visual and manual examination of the mouth to detect oral disease or other oral problems that may necessitate treatment by oral health specialists. Public health scientists and practitioners participate by producing and evaluating information on the benefits and drawbacks of screening, managing screening programs, and educating public and stakeholder expectations.