Abstract: There is provided a metrologic methodology and instrument, useful for a high-spatial-resolution dynamic diagnostic metrology and instrument, which can provide simultaneous measurements of laser-induced frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometry (FD-PTR) and alternating-current (ac) modulated luminescence (FD-LM) signals from defects and caries in teeth intraorally. The combination of the luminescence and radiometric frequency scan techniques for inspection of defects and caries in teeth involves irradiating the tooth with a modulated (direct-current (dc) to 100 kHz) excitation source (laser) emitting in the near-ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared spectral range, generating blackbody Planck-radiation (infrared radiometry) and ac luminescence, and comparing the obtained (amplitude and phase) luminescence and radiometric signals to those obtained from a well characterized sample (reference) to provide the clinician with numerical information on the status of a tooth.