50 Shades of Gray
About This Event
Correctly reading radiographs is essential in daily practice. As a dentist, reading an X-ray along with proper medical and dental histories, along with performing diagnostic tests helps narrow down the differential diagnosis of lesions. While not all radiolucencies need biopsies or referrals, knowing when and to refer to a specialist is imperative for the health of the patient and the health of the practice.
According to the CDC, in 2019, about 66 percent of adults had a dental visit within a 12-month period. Dentists are the ideal professionals to help screen for oral cancer. Oral cancer cases have been increasing in the past few decades and more than 54,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the U.S. The mortality rate is 50–90 percent within five years. Dentists are more than cavity hunters—they are at the forefront of screening and diagnosing these cases.
This course will cover some commonly seen radiolucencies and discuss oral cancer. Learn proper screening, treatment protocols and patient management. The discussion includes predisposing conditions of cancer, understanding prevention and providing patient education.
Learn why there has been an increased incidence of oral cancer, especially in the younger population. This course includes a review of recent studies that aim in creating more informed clinicians.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the distinctions between normal and abnormal radiolucencies.
- Identify common radiolucencies.
- Learn essential diagnostic tests.
- Know when and to whom to refer patients to.
- Learn the signs, symptoms, treatment modalities and the importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer.
- Be able to screen for oral cancer during oral exams using visual and tactile methods.