Oral engagement assemblies and methods of using the oral engagement assemblies are provided. In a general aspect, the oral engagement assembly includes a mouthpiece having a handle and a support attached to the handle. A diagnostic receptacle is insertable into the mouth-piece to form the oral engagement assembly. One or more diagnostic sensors can be fixedly or releasably inserted into the diagnostic receptacle. Kits useful for making the oral engagement assemblies and using such oral engagement assemblies for diagnosing a condition or disease in the animal are also provided.