Statistics from the Oral Cancer Foundation indicate that approximately 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer in 2026 alone. It will cause over 8,000 deaths in the same time frame. Of those newly diagnosed individuals, only 43% will be alive in five years.
April is Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month highlighting the importance of education and early detection, as well as support for patients with oral cancer. CDA encourages dentists and their teams to join the fight against this often silent but potentially deadly disease. CDA Journal articles, courses at CDA Presents in May, tips for talking about HPV with patients and other resources can assist those efforts. Teams may also wish to join community outreach events or share evidence-based information on social media.
Oral cancer: A silent threat
Oral cancer can strike anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. It encompasses cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat and even the salivary glands, and symptoms can go unnoticed in the early stages, allowing the cancer to progress stealthily.
Dentists should remain vigilant in their screenings and patient education efforts. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and improved outcomes for affected individuals. When found in early stages of development, oral cancers can have a survival rate of 80%-90%, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, but most are discovered as late-stage cancers, which accounts for the currently high death rate.
The oral cancer-HPV connection
A significant link between oral cancer and the human papillomavirus has emerged in recent years. While tobacco and alcohol use have traditionally been associated with oral cancer, HPV has become a leading cause, particularly among younger demographics. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 70% or oropharynx cancers are caused by HPV.
The rising trend in HPV-related oral cancers underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures. Dentists are urged to educate patients on the risks associated with HPV and its potential impact on oral health along with actions that reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Cancer prevention vaccine ‘is a scientific milestone’
During routine check-ups, dentists can take the time to discuss the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and encourage regular self-examinations, emphasizing the importance of seeking prompt attention for any unusual changes.
Not only is it appropriate to talk with patients about the importance of receiving the HPV vaccine, CDA encourages its members to do so. Dentists are uniquely positioned to build patient confidence in the HPV vaccine because of its ability to prevent cancer.
“To have a cancer prevention vaccine is a scientific milestone,” says Tooka Zokaie, CDA senior health policy analyst. “When dentists, physicians and health educators work together to promote HPV vaccines and increase vaccination rates, that’s a public health marvel.”
CDA Presents courses, other resources on oral cancer awareness and prevention
CDA encourages all dentists to use the resources on the Community Oral Health Resources page. These include:
- HPV Vaccination and Dentists in California
- HPV and Dentist Champions
- Links to materials from other trusted organizations
Two articles on oral cancer detection were published recently in the Journal of the California Dental Association:
- Detecting and preventing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer: The oral health practitioner’s role
- Clinical practice guideline on early detection of oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders: An executive summary
Both articles offer C.E. credit through an online quiz if successfully completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
CDA Presents in Anaheim May 14-16 offers three courses on oral cancer and HPV, including a new risk management seminar hosted by The Dentists Insurance Company. All three are open to the entire dental practice team.
- Beyond the Exam: Oral Cancer Awareness, Screening and Protocols, May 15 (two sessions: 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.) and May 16, 10 a.m.-noon.
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): What the Dental Team Must Know, May 14 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and May 15 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Open to the entire dental
- Oral Cancer: The Patient’s Experience, May 14, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and May 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Register in advance to secure your spot.
Dentists and their teams can make a difference — one screening, one conversation and one life at a time.