Oral Cancer Is On The Rise—But Is Your Healthcare Team Ready to Detect It?

In the United States, nearly one person dies every hour due to oral or oropharyngeal cancer (Oral Cancer Foundation, 2024). While highly treatable when detected early, these cancers often go unnoticed until they’ve progressed—leading to poor outcomes. As the healthcare system shifts toward prevention and early detection, a critical question emerges: Is your care team equipped to catch what others might miss?

The Modern Profile of Oral Cancer Risk

According to recent data from the American Cancer Society (2024) and the National Cancer Institute (2023), oral and oropharyngeal cancers are on the rise. While tobacco and alcohol remain significant contributors, human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as a major driver—particularly among younger adults with no history of smoking.

The modern profile of oral cancer risk no longer fits traditional assumptions. Many at-risk patients, especially those in rural or underserved communities, do not see dental providers regularly. They are more likely to encounter medical professionals, who may not be trained to recognize oral cancer warning signs. As a result, opportunities for early detection are lost, delaying diagnosis and increasing mortality risk.

RDHs: A Critical, Underused Resource

Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) are licensed professionals trained to detect oral abnormalities, including early signs of cancer. Their education includes head and neck assessments, intraoral inspections, and recognition of suspicious lesions. Yet, their expertise remains underutilized in many clinical settings.

Studies have found that RDHs vary in how frequently and confidently they perform oral cancer screenings. A national survey by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (2022) and a 2024 article in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene both point to inconsistencies in screening practices and follow-up protocols.

This isn’t a matter of skill—it’s a matter of system design. Without structured collaboration and standardized screening expectations, the ability of RDHs to contribute meaningfully to cancer detection is diminished.

How Certificate Programs Help Bridge the Gap

To meet this need, three targeted certificate programs have been created to enhance RDHs’ ability to work within interprofessional teams and identify early-stage disease:

•  The Cotton Method™ Certificate Program teaches a systematic, hands-on approach to detecting soft tissue abnormalities and potential malignancies.
•  The Oncology Certificate Program for RDHs™ provides clinical insight into how cancer and its treatment affect oral health, preparing RDHs to support patients before, during, and after oncology care.
•  The Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Program™ trains RDHs to collaborate with providers managing chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease—connecting oral health with overall health outcomes.

These programs empower hygienists with both technical knowledge and interprofessional fluency.

Team-Based Solutions: What You Can Do

Early detection of oral cancer demands a collaborative approach. Here’s how care teams can close existing gaps:

1.   Standardize oral screening protocols across both dental and medical settings.
2.   Refer at-risk patients to RDHs for comprehensive intraoral examinations.
3.   Invest in continuing education on oral pathology for all frontline providers.
4.   Include trained RDHs on care teams in primary care, oncology, and chronic disease management.

These steps not only improve clinical outcomes but also support equity in preventive care.

Oral cancer is often treatable—but only when identified early. As its risk factors evolve and incidence rises, traditional screening models are no longer sufficient. RDHs offer a proven, underutilized solution. With the right training and integration, they can help ensure no signs are overlooked.

About the Author

Nannette Kelly, RDH, CH-OSE, CH-ONC, FADHA

Nannette has over 35 years of experience in dental hygiene, she is passionate about patient-centered care and promoting oral-systemic health connections as a board member of National Network of Healthcare Hygienists (NNHH). Nannette is committed to continuously enhancing her skills and staying up to date with the latest advancements in dental hygiene, she holds certificates in Oncology and Oral Systemic Education. Actively engaged in ongoing education and professional development, Nannette collaborates with peers as a member of ADHA. She strives to elevate the dental hygiene profession, advocate for oral health awareness by organizing oral cancer screening events, and shares essential oral health care tips with individuals managing diabetes in her community. Connect with her at [email protected].

References

1. American Cancer Society. (2024). Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics.html
2. National Cancer Institute. (2023). SEER Program. https://seer.cancer.gov
3. Oral Cancer Foundation. (2024). Oral Cancer Facts. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/
4. American Dental Hygienists’ Association. (2022). State of the Dental Hygiene Profession Report.
5. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. (2024). Screening Practices and Confidence Among Dental Hygienists: A National Survey.