The document outlines the diagnostic process, which includes taking a patient's history, examining the patient, making a provisional diagnosis, conducting investigations like radiographs or biopsies, reevaluating with additional information to make a final diagnosis, and developing a treatment plan with a prognosis. A provisional diagnosis is made initially when a firm diagnosis is not possible based on the history and exam alone, and allows for immediate treatment while further tests are ordered.

1. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
The Diagnostic Process : a systematic collection of data
leading to identification of disease
I. Taking & Recording
of Patient’s History II. Examination
III.
Provisional
Diagnosis

2. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Provisional Diagnosis
Also called as
‘tentative’ or
‘clinical’ or
‘working’ diagnosis

3. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Provisional Diagnosis
It is possible to make a firm diagnosis on the basis
of the case history and examination in many
common dental diseases.
On other occasions, however, this may not be
possible due to :
~ inability to record case history or carry out
examination, completely
~ similarity of symptoms & signs in some diseases
~ absence of reports of investigations.

4. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Provisional Diagnosis
In such clinical situations, formulation of a
provisional diagnosis enables the clinician :
~ to initiate immediate (symptomatic)
treatment
and
~ to determine the investigative procedure/s
to be ordered.

5. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
I. Taking & Recording of Patient’s History
II. Examination III. Provisional Diagnosis
IV. Investigations
A. Radiographic
# Microscopic examination of tissue
# Smear
# Excisional / incisional biopsy
# FNAC / FNAB
# Antigen / antibody detection &
titre
# Serum immunochemistry
# Immunofluorescence
B. Laboratory
# Aid in diagnosis
# Aid in treatment planning
C. Histopathology # Aid & Cytology
in prognosis
# Most commonly used
D. Microbiology, Serology & Immunology
# Serum chemistry e.g. creatinine,
alkaline phosphatase
# Isolation, identification & culture
# Antibiotic sensitivity
# Blood examination e.g. CBC, CT,
BT, ESR, investigation Blood sugar, in dentistry
Blood group
# Urine examination e.g. sugar,
uric acid, proteins
# Intra-oral radiography
# Extra-oral radiography

6. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
symptoms
signs
Investigations
Differential
Diagnosis
Knowledge
of oral
pathology

7. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Investigations signs
symptoms
Differential
Diagnosis
Knowledge
of oral
pathology

8. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

9. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
V. Final Diagnosis
Treatment Plan
The final diagnosis is a firm statement
regarding the etiology and nature of
the pathological process affecting the
patient.
Prognosis
Objectives of a treatment plan:
1. To cure the patient from the disease.
2. To provide relief from symptoms.
3. To provide Prediction nutritive of and the psychological outcome support.
of the
4. To prevent disease
occurrence of disease.
Two phases: with and Immediate without treatment undergoing
- local &
pharmacological
treatment.
Planned treatment

10. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
V. Final Diagnosis
Treatment Plan
The final diagnosis is a firm statement
regarding the etiology and nature of
the pathological process affecting the
patient.
Prognosis
Objectives of a treatment plan:
1. To cure the patient from the disease.
2. To provide relief from symptoms.
3. To provide Prediction nutritive of and the psychological outcome support.
of the
4. To prevent disease
occurrence of disease.
Two phases: with and Immediate without treatment undergoing
- local &
pharmacological
treatment.
Planned treatment