Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Microscopic examination of smears is considered the best method for confirming the diagnosis of oral candidiasis because it allows for the direct visualization of yeast and pseudohyphae, which are characteristic features of Candida species. This method typically involves taking a sample from the oral lesions and staining it, enabling clinicians to observe the fungal elements under a microscope.

In contrast, while a biopsy could provide definitive information about tissue changes, it is more invasive and not necessary for diagnosing oral candidiasis, which can usually be diagnosed based on clinical presentation and microscopic examination. Blood count may provide some supportive information, such as signs of infection or immunosuppression, but it does not directly diagnose oral candidiasis. Similarly, serological exams, which check for antibodies or antigens in the blood, are not commonly utilized for diagnosing localized infections like oral candidiasis due to their inability to provide immediate or specific results about the presence of the fungus in the oral cavity. Thus, the direct visualization through microscopic examination stands as the most effective and immediate approach to diagnosis.