Learning Objectives: 

• Describe components of a comprehensive visual and tactile, extraoral, and intraoral evaluation, including evaluation of the oropharynx, and palpation techniques.
• Identify risk factors for oral cancers beyond tobacco, alcohol, and HPV.
• Recognize signs and symptoms associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and other head and neck conditions.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, last year alone approximately 54,000 Americans were diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, in five years only a little more than half of those diagnosed will survive this horrific cancer. When oral and oropharyngeal cancer is discovered in early stages there is an 80 to 90% survival rate, however, the majority are found in later stages. When performing the head and neck screening, many dental hygienists have had a patient say, “no one has ever done that before.” Let’s create a foundation of standards and protocols for comprehensive screening, to reduce the risk of liability, increase early detection, and save lives.

Join oral cancer coach Susan Cotten BSDH, RDH, OMT, as she dives into the science-based components of a comprehensive head and neck screening. This program looks at the additional risk factors and signs and symptoms associated with oral, oropharyngeal cancer, and other head and neck conditions, and explains why these are an essential piece of a thorough screening and risk assessment. Using Susan’s instructional screening videos, emphasis will be given to looking at the components of a comprehensive visual and tactile, extraoral, and intraoral evaluation, the oropharyngeal screening, and palpation techniques. Dental hygienists play a critical role in early detection. Comprehensive screening is non-negotiable, and calibration in screening is essential to the continuity of care.