Oral Mucosal Lesions

A Guide to Clinical Differential Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Lesions
Michael W Finkelstein, DDS, MS
Continuing Education Units: 4 hours
Intended Audience: Dentists, Hygienists, Dental Assistants
Provided by Crest/OralB

Upon the completion of this course, the dental professional will be able to:
•Classify oral lesions into surface lesions and soft tissue enlargements using a decision tree (flowchart).

•Describe the clinical features that are characteristic of each class of oral mucosal lesions in the decision tree, including:

•White surface lesions - epithelial thickening, surface debris, and subepithelial change

• Generalized pigmented surface lesions

•Localized pigmented surface lesions - intravascular blood, extravascular blood, melanin pigment, and tattoo

•Vesicular-ulcerated-erythematous surface lesions - hereditary, autoimmune, viral, mycotic, and idiopathic

•Reactive soft tissue enlargements of oral mucosa

•Benign tumors of oral mucosa - epithelial, mesenchymal, and salivary gland

•Malignant neoplasms of oral mucosa

•Cysts of oral mucosa

•Describe the characteristic or unique clinical features of the most common and/or important diseases of the oral mucosa.

•Perform a step-by-step clinical differential diagnosis, using the decision tree, for patients with oral mucosal lesions.


You will need to register on the site to take the course, but it's Free. After you complete the course you can complete the test and print your certificate of completion. You also have the option of printing out the program to review or have as a reference and then going back on line later to take the test. You can also keep a record of your completed courses on the site.