Description
Will this be the year you save a life?
This course is designed to provide dental hygienists with a clearer understanding of the incidence,
mortality,
and
morbidity of oral and oropharyngeal cancers so that they can effectively transfer this knowledge to their
clinical
practice and clients.
A call to action from the Chief Dental Officer of Canada validates the integral role dental hygienists play
in
early
discovery of these cancers through opportunistic screening, which can significantly reduce the mortality
rate.
The
course reviews typical risk factors along with the concerning link between human papillomavirus (HPV)
infection
and
oropharyngeal cancer that today’s dental hygienists need to consider. Communication strategies for educating
clients
on
risk prevention and self-examination are highlighted. A systematic approach to assessment, management, and
referral
is
detailed to assist the dental hygienist in practice. A variety of clinical and educational resources
accompany
the
online course.
Successful completion of this course will ensure that dental hygienists possess the necessary knowledge,
skills,
and
clinical judgement to competently perform a comprehensive extraoral and intraoral examination, including the
oral
cancer
screening examination, prepare subsequent documentation, and manage an abnormal finding.
To support clinical application, a variety of dental hygienist and client resources have also been developed.
Module 1: Incidence and Mortality of Oral & Oropharyngeal Cancer in Canada
This module focusses on the incidence, mortality, and risk factors related to oral and oropharyngeal
cancer.
It
is
designed to elevate awareness of the importance of head and neck examinations, including oral and
oropharyngeal
cancer
screening.
Module 2: The Extraoral Examination
This module provides a systematic overview of the anatomical structures that must be included in the
extraoral
examination, with attention to landmarking and palpation techniques. Learn to recognize the subtle
extraoral
signs
and
symptoms that may accompany oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Module 3: The Intraoral Examination
This module guides the clinician step-by-step through the performance of an intraoral examination.
Intraoral
signs of
both oral and oropharyngeal cancer are reviewed.
Module 4: Assessment, Management, and Referral
This module translates the knowledge gained from modules 1, 2, and 3 into clinical practice, outlines
documentation
and
client management techniques, and reviews a management pathway decision-making tool for abnormal
findings.
Adjunctive
chairside screening methods and client communication strategies are also presented.