Oral Cancer Detection: The Power of Knowledge, Technology, and Training

Posted on November 7, 2025November 6, 2025 by Parul Dua Makkar, BSc, DDS, FACD, FICD

Oral cancer remains one of the most devastating diseases in dentistry, with thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. Too often, it is discovered late, when survival rates drop and treatment becomes more aggressive. Yet, as dental professionals, we are uniquely positioned to change that story. Every exam, every screening, and every conversation with a patient holds the potential to save a life. This is where modern tools like OralDNA® salivary testing make a profound difference. Saliva ...

Protect Patient Health with Salivary Diagnostics

Posted on April 4, 2025April 18, 2025 by Kathryn Gilliam

Persistent oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been linked to an increased risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Over 200 strains of HPV have been identified. The high-risk types, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The CDC reports that HPV is responsible for approximately 70% of oropharyngeal cancer in the Unit...

Connecting the Dots: A Role for Inflammation in Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers

Posted on September 1, 2017May 19, 2021 by Ronald C. McGlennen, MD

September is sexual health awareness month. In recognition, enjoy a previous post by Dr McGlennen regarding oral health and sexual health. It is important to understand the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of squamous cancers of the head and neck. But it seems there is missing a fuller appreciation of other key risk factors at work with the virus, to cause bad things to happen to cells in the mouth and throat. HPV infection is very common, and with the sensitive molecular...