The Diagnose is intended for use as an aid in detecting caries. It provides information to supplement the clinician's visual observations, consideration of the patient histories, and information from other diagnostic modalities, resulting in an overall risk assessment and a treatment determination. It is not a stand alone diagnostic tool. DIAGNOdent may also be used as an aid in monitoring progression or arrestment of caries by comparing a patient's readings from visit to visit. All DIAGNOdent readings must be evaluated in the context of other diagnostic information.

Only caries on occlusal or flat surfaces of teeth, which are accessible to the probes, can be examined for caries. The DIAGNOdent does not detect interproximal caries, subgingival caries, or secondary caries under crowns, inlays, or composite/amalgam restorations.