Recognition and diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral soft tissue lesions will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the significance of red lesions (erythroplakias), white lesions (leukoplakias) and variations.

There will be a discussion of the epidemiology of these oral lesions as well as adjunctive tests to aid in diagnosis of these lesions including Oral CDx brush biopsy and conventional scalpel biopsy.

The oral health effects of tobacco and tobacco products will be discussed, as will the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of these effects. Tobacco cessation strategies will also be addressed. This course will satisfy the New York State mandate for Oral Cancer training.

The dentist and other members of the dental team will learn to:

• Understand the significance of red, white and other oral lesions.
• Appreciate the effects of tobacco on the oral mucosa and recognize the importance of evaluation the resultant oral lesions.
• Learn the indications for the use of the computer assisted oral brush biopsy and conventional scalpel biopsy.
• Understand the basics behind smoking cessation modalities.
  

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