Do You Speak HPV? Part 2

Posted on April 12, 2019May 20, 2021 by Kimberly Babauta, RDH, BS, BCPA

Dental clinicians have been on the front lines of oral cancer prevention and early detection for many years. We have been trained to do very thorough oral cancer exams and to use various light systems to visualize tissue changes; however, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the death rate for oral cancers has remained higher than that of many other types of cancers which we hear about routinely.1 Many studies support that the human papilloma virus (HPV) is responsible for a large number...

Do You Speak HPV? Part 1

Posted on April 5, 2019May 20, 2021 by Kimberly Babauta, RDH, BS, BCPA

Dental professionals are often uncomfortable approaching patients on topics that are unfamiliar or that feel outside the realm of “traditional” dentistry. One such topic is Human papillomavirus (HPV). As a hygienist of 40 plus years, I can tell you this topic never came up in my education. Several years ago, I had to educate myself about this near epidemic viral infection. Most importantly, I had to step out of my comfort zone to find a way to share this crucial knowledge with my patients...

Where Does the HPV Go?

Posted on April 27, 2018May 19, 2021 by Ronald C. McGlennen, MD

The alarming incidence of oral cancer connected to oral infections caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV, should rightly raise concern. For too long healthcare has overlooked the potential of HPV to cause serious disease in the oral cavity, the pharynx and larynx. Fortunately, early detection is key, and there is now a highly sensitive test that can identify early HPV infections called OraRisk ® HPV. OraRisk ® HPV identifies the HPV infection often before any clinical symptoms can be se...

The Co-management of an Esophageal Cancer Survivor

Posted on April 20, 2018May 19, 2021 by Camille Luke RDH MSDH

Background: The patient is a 75-year-old female with a history of esophageal cancer in 2013. The origin of the cancer was determined to be lichen planus. Surgical removal of the lesion occurred and no reconstructive surgery was needed. However, post-surgery to present date, the patient experiences severe acid reflux and sleeps with her head elevated. She has great home dental care and follows a 3-month periodontal maintenance. During the head and neck exam, no significant findings were disco...

What’s the difference between the two OraRisk® HPV testing options offered by OralDNA® Labs?

Posted on April 13, 2018May 19, 2021 by Brianna Neil

One of the most commonly asked questions from patients and providers alike is – “What’s the difference between the two OraRisk® HPV tests you offer?” Simply answered: the main difference is the total number of HPV types tested. The OraRisk® HPV Complete Genotyping test option will analyze the oral rinse specimen for 51 different types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), including high risk, low risk and unknown risk types. If the sample is positive for the presence of HPV, it will then ...

Advancing Patient Care Through the Use of OraRisk® HPV Salivary Testing: An Interview with Camille Luke

Posted on April 6, 2018May 19, 2021 by Camille Luke RDH MSDH

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how and why you utilize OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Camille RDH: Currently we use the OraRisk® HPV test in 5 different dental practices. Our team members use this test as part of our oral cancer screening process. At a continuing education course, we were introduced to the correlation between HPV and oral cancer, and felt this would be an important service to provide for our patients, especially with the increased risk of developing oral cancer associated with ...