Objective: 

• Know how to proactively screen for oral cancers and how to conduct a proper oral cancer exam
• Understand tests for oral cancer screening
• Utilize adjunctive devices for oral cancer screenings
• List causes of oral cancer
• Discuss common sites for oral cancer Inform patients on oral side effects of chemotherapy
• Explain the clinical signs of salivary gland hypo-function Identify successful treatment options and products available to improve quality of life.

This educational event will highlight oral melanoma case presentations, one featured at the International Symposium in Dental Hygiene in Switzerland in 2016. After completion you will be comfortable on how to recognize irregular spots intra-orally and extra-orally. Many people have abnormal sores in their mouths with the great majority being noncancerous, making our screening techniques even more important. Any person with a history of tobacco and alcohol use or prior head and neck malignancy has a significant risk of developing an oral, head and neck cancer. You will be able to teach patients reasons why they suffer from radiation induced xerostomia, intra-oral problems associated with it, and management options available to make your patients more comfortable managing their symptoms. The goal with oral and skin cancer screening is to identify cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.