For several decades the accepted method for detecting carious lesions in patients as well as in clinical trials has been a combination of clinical visual-tactile (light, mirror, and probing) examination and bitewing radiographs. For most patients these techniques are still appropriate. However, over the last few decades there has been a considerable increase in materials/tools and methods available for this purpose. Although currently there is no single diagnostic method on the horizon that can reliably detect precavitated carious lesions on all tooth surfaces, the prospects look favorable...