Oral cancer and role of general dental practitioners in its early detection

Abstract

Oral cancer constitutes the most life threatening of all dental conditions. The oral cavity is usually easily accessible for examination and thus offers the potential opportunistic screening for oral cancer. Alcohol and tobacco are two of the most important risk factors for development of oral cancer. There is clear need to inform and educate the public in matters relating to known risk factors. Primary prevention has been estimated to be the most cost-effective method. Diagnosis of oral cancer in its early stages dramatically affects survival rates. General dental practitioners play particularly important role in the early detection of oral cancer.