Abstract: A dental probe assembly includes a tool having a handle portion at one end thereof and a portion detachably connected to the handle. A probe tip is mounted to the neck portion. The probe tip is a disposable light conducting and emitting member. Light is transmitted to the probe tip. The tool also transmits the amount of light emitted by the probe tip. In use, the probe tip would be inserted into a gum pocket and the amount of light would be sensed which would correspond to the length of the probe tip outside of the pocket. This value would be compared with a standard value which corresponds to the full length of the probe tip and the comparison would indicate the depth of the pocket.