April 7, 2025

April Fools: Oral Cancer Awareness Month and Your Professional Responsibility

By: Kevin Henner, D.M.D, F.A.C.D., F.I.C.D.

The month of April presents budding flowers, chirping birds and a glimpse of the summer that follows. However, April is also Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and we, as dental professionals, have an obligation to educate, evaluate and diagnose our patients and the oral cancers that may be present.

As oral healthcare providers, we are responsible for understanding oral cancer, with a focus on screening and early detection. This includes educating our patients and the public about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

First and foremost, detection, hopefully early, is not possible without regular periodic dental examinations by a qualified professional – you, the dentist. Therefore, dental professionals must be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with oral cancer and the methods of detection.

These include but are not limited to:

Persistent mouth and/or lip lesions or sores that will not heal.
Atypical mucosal or tissue lesions are often red or white in appearance.
Intra-oral and possibly extra-oral pain.
Difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking.
Intra-oral and/or extra-oral swelling and/or growths.
Loose teeth.
Atypical oral numbness or tingling.
Acute onset malocclusion.

There are an array of treatment modalities to evaluate, detect and diagnose oral cancer.

Of course, part of our professional obligation is to educate our patients and the public about the risk factors related to oral cancer.

These include but are not limited to:

Tobacco use (smoking/chewing/vaping)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Betel nut quid and gutka use (chewable)
Ultra-violet light (sun) exposure
Genetic syndromes

Other possible factors include:

Diet, poor nutrition and excess body weight
Chronic irritation

It’s also important to note that age and gender play a role, with oral cancers being more prevalent in men statistically with a higher rate of detection as we get older.

Treatment modalities vary based on factors such as type, location and stage of detection. These therapies can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of these modalities.

As dentists and oral healthcare providers, we have the knowledge and training to evaluate, educate and diagnose our patients and their possible oral cancer pathology. In fact, we have the responsibility and, ultimately, the privilege to potentially save a life threatened by oral cancer and its sequela. Oral Cancer Awareness Month highlights that duty and reaffirms the importance of seeing your dentist for regular dental examinations.

MLMIC policyholders can reach out to our healthcare attorneys for questions about documentation and referral to a specialist when treating patients with oral cancer or other healthcare law inquiries by calling (877) 426-9555 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. or by email here.

Our 24/7 hotline is also available for urgent matters after hours at (844) 667-5291 or by emailing hotline@tmglawny.com.

If you are not already a MLMIC insured, learn more about us here.

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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical, dental or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.