Holistic Patient Assessment: Dermatology in Dental Practice

As part of the holistic approach to their patients, General Dental Practitioners are well placed to identify common skin lesions. Awareness and recognition of worrying lesions allow timely and appropriate referrals for further investigation and treatment. In this paper, we review benign, premalignant and malignant skin lesions, as well as genetic skin conditions. Past medical, family and social history (including sun exposure and previous cutaneous malignancy) is important. Examination includes the lesion, the skin type and the regional lymph nodes. The different common lesions are described, and the epidemiology, clinical features and treatment are discussed. Screening for skin lesions on the head and neck may be undertaken as part of overall dental care as part of the holistic examination of patients. Particularly with precancerous lesions and skin cancer, an early detection and referral from a dentist can expedite treatment and improve prognosis.