Differential diagnosis of pre-malignant oral lesions and early detection and prevention of oral squamous cell carcinoma: Quo Vadis

Webinar Description

Oral cancer is one of the most treatable of the major cancers when discovered and treated early. Yet oral cancer (the sixth most common cancer in the world) is the only major cancer who’s incidence is rising when all other cancers are declining. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to screen patients and detect oral cancer in its early, treatable stage. The identification of both oral cancer as well as precancerous lesions and how best to examine for and diagnosis them is presented. Although the gold standard for diagnosis is a biopsy and histopathology, new diagnostic adjunctive imaging technologies, as well as developing genetic and proteomic biomarkers hold promise for earlier detection.

This lecture provides

a review and update of the topic and practical recommendations for :

the role of screening asymptomatic patients in the dental office; use of adjunctive

technologies for disclosing and marking lesions; and recommendations for

action when suspicious lesions are found. This lecture provides a brief review of the current state and research on early detection technologies.

Educational Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1) Review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of oral cancer as well as pre- cancerous lesions

2) Present evidences- based clinical techniques for examining and detecting oral cancer as well as pre- cancerous lesions

3) Familiarize professionals with the latest techniques in oral screening, both

aided and unaided.

4) Assist practitioners in communicating the need for oral cancer screening

to their patients.

Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the ADA CERP Standard V., everyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests and this information will be made available to participants at the start of the course.

As a continuing education provider, UNC Adams School of Dentistry is responsible for ensuring the content, quality and scientific integrity of all continuing dental education activities for which credit is provided. The School is also responsible for taking steps to protect against and/or disclose any conflict of interest of the faculty/instructors presenting those courses.

Cancellation and Refunds

A registration refund, less a $15 fee, will be issued for cancellations received by Friday, February 23, 2024. Registration will remain open, however, when registering after Friday, February 23, 2024, NO REFUNDS will be accepted. Cancellations must be received in email to cde@dentistry.unc.edu The cancellation request must include: the name of the course, name of the person registered, name of the person requesting the cancellation, and the reason for the cancellation.