A peer reviewed article by Amisha Singh, DDS
A thorough head and neck examination is an important part of a comprehensive or periodic exam and can be valuable in helping to diagnose a plethora of disorders, many of which require early detection for effective treatment. With high utilization and recommendations of biannual preventive care visits, dentists can be pivotal in screenings and diagnosis. Systematic and regular screenings are key factors. The examination should cover lymph nodes, muscular anomalies, asymmetrical growths, the temporomandibular joint and other head and neck structures, and should also include the form and function of facial anatomy. This article provides a thorough analysis of the flow of a dental head and neck examination, recommendations on implementing a more comprehensive exam with consistency in dental practice, a review of the normal anatomy, and methods to identify abnormalities and effectively follow up.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the value of the role of the dental practitioner in oral cancer and other pathologic early detection and diagnosis
- Describe signs of abnormal or variations of normal head and neck anatomy
- Identify the need for follow-up or referral to other practitioners and effectively communicate form and location of abnormalities
- Effectively incorporate a thorough head and neck examination into the flow of a dental practice
About the Author
Amisha Singh, DDS, serves on the Colorado Dental Association (CDA) House of Delegates, American Dental Association (ADA) Dental Wellness Advisory Committee, and the Metro Denver Dental Society and CDA Membership Councils. She is the CDA New Dentist Committee chair-elect, as well as a blogger and professional speaker working with IgniteDDS. Dr. Singh is the Advanced via Individual Determination (AVID) health-care liaison for Denver Public Schools and a workforce diversity consultant for the Colorado Department of Public Health. An ADA Success speaker, she participates in the ADA Institute of Diversity in Leadership and is the founder of the CDA Diversity in Leadership program.
Quick Access Code: 22430
Image Credit: Boris_Zec / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: SEPTEMBER 2025
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2024 to 10/31/2028.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 730
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHEBM (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code: AADHEBM-376-9-2025-3
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
