Abstract

Future dental care will evolve based on evidence-based diagnosis and treatment, which requires advancements in the field of laboratory and diagnostic dentistry. However, the current diagnostic tests specialized in dentistry are very limited, and the field's development is still in its infancy. The most important factor hindering progress is the long-term unchanging lack of awareness within the dental community regarding the use of diagnostic tests. This in turn affects education on laboratory and diagnostic dentistry, lack of interest and research in related fields, insufficient development of diagnostic test items, and the inactivity of the dental industry related to laboratory and diagnostic dentistry. To overcome these barriers, a shift in the mindset of dental professionals is necessary to shake off this lack of awareness. Furthermore, in the short-term, it is necessary to explore ways to revitalize the application of existing dental diagnostic tests and to expand the application of existing diagnostic tests by modifying them to be useful in dentistry. In the long-term, revitalizing research and development in the field of laboratory and diagnostic dentistry is essential. (J Korean Dent Assoc 2026; 64(5): 163-168)