Performing mucosal tissue biopsies in general dental practice.

One of the roles of a dental practitioner is the identification and management of oral mucosal disease (pathology) in its many forms. A tissue biopsy is an important step in the diagnostic process for oral lesions, while the skill required to perform a biopsy should be well within the capability of most practising dentists. The purpose of this article is to help dental practitioners to identify lesions suitable for biopsy in a dental practice setting, and to outline the equipment and explain the techniques used.