High-Value Patient Education: The Essential Dental Checkup — Beyond the Cleaning. A dental checkup is far more than a simple cleaning—it’s a full-scale evaluation designed to protect long-term oral and overall health. During each visit, dentists assess the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding tissues for early warning signs of decay, infection, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Diagnostic tools like X-rays uncover hidden threats such as bone loss, cysts, or cavities beneath enamel surfaces. Pro