Physical evaluation of the dental patient: current practices and opinions.

A survey of 560 graduates of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry was performed to document the current methods of physical evaluation used by a group of practicing dentists and to sample their opinions about potential additions to the dental curriculum in physical evaluation, as advocated by the Council on Dental Education. The questionnaire was completed and returned by 59 percent of the practitioners. The results indicated that physical evaluation of dental patients was done primarily by using the medical history. Examination of blood pressure, other vital signs, and the head and neck were done infrequently. The clinical laboratory was reportedly utilized frequently. The respondents' attitudes were ones of general support for increasing the emphasis on physical evaluation in dentistry, but with varying opinions about appropriateness.