Audio Recording

Sex And Oral Health: What's The Connection?
Jo-Anne Jones


There has never been a greater sense of urgency to closely examine the oral cavity for early discovery of mucosal abnormalities. The historic etiologic patterns related to exposure to alcohol and tobacco are being challenged by a more recently identified etiology that is viral in nature and sexually transmitted. Both the medical and dental communities have been alerted to this emerging pandemic. A study released by the National Cancer Institute confirms that oropharyngeal cancers have risen an astounding 225 percent from 1998 to 2004 and correlates with the emergence of this new etiologic profile. If this trend continues, oral cancer will become the nation’s leading HPV-related cancer within the decade — surpassing cervical cancer. Oral cancer typically is discovered in late stages with a five year survival rate of 30 percent. According to SEER data, survival rates increase to 80-90 percent when discovered in early stages. The supportive role and critical responsibility of the dental professional is an integral component of early discovery. In this course, the extraoral and intraoral examination will be reviewed, as well as an introduction to an innovative device recognized by the World Health Organization to address this global health concern. Ms. Jones is the 2014 Dentistry Today CE Leader and recipient of the PennWell Award for “The Most Important Dental Story” written on this subject. This frank and open discussion will change the way you screen for oral cancer forever.

Learning objectives:
Participants will be able to:

• Understand critical statistical information regarding oral cancer that every dental professional needs to know.
• Discuss compelling information supporting the emergence of an atypical sexually-transmitted profile.
• Identify the dental professional’s role in early discovery of mucosal tissue changes and potentially life-saving outcome.
• Recognize the critical components of a comprehensive extraoral and intraoral examination.
• Compare and contrast the value of adjunctive screening methods to compliment the white light examination.