Opportunistic screening for oral cancer and precancer in general dental practice: results of a demonstration study

Preventive dentistry: Early childhood caries in infants

“…The regulation/advice of the GDC appears to be in conflict with that of the General Medical Council (GMC) on this matter. 1,2 The GMC's advice to its registrants clearly states that any information given to a medical practitioner is assumed eligible to be disclosed to other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care unless the patient declares otherwise. The GDC's advice appears to read that the patient must give their stated permission for this information to be disclosed.…”

“…Glandosane has been shown, in many in vitro studies, to have detrimental demineralising effects on enamel and dentine. [2][3][4] As alternatives are available it would seem appropriate to avoid these preparations in dentate patients.…”

The reality of identifying early oral cancer in the general dental practice

“…40 It will also allow routine inquiry into alcohol and tobacco habits which opens scope for preventative advice and assistance. Although there are reports that those attending a dentist are representative of the population as a whole, 32 some researchers have argued that those are over 40 who smoke and drink are unlikely to be regular attenders. [41][42] This does not mean one should reduce vigilance in the dental practice, but argues for thorough inspection when such patients do attend.…”

“…Opportunistic screening of higher risk individuals has been calculated to be more cost effective than opportunistically screening all patients (by a dentist or doctor) or invited screening (by a dentist, doctor or specialist). 31 A pilot opportunistic screening initiative in general dental practices 32 concluded that targeting high-risk groups is a realistic option. Although general population oral cancer screening (via visual examination) has not been refuted by research evidence, neither has it received supportive evidence for its effectiveness for reducing mortality or incidence of invasive disease.…”

Patient awareness of oral cancer health advice in a dental access centre: a mixed methods study

“…15 Numerous authors also support a primary preventive approach of promoting smoking cessation and reduction of alcohol consumption. 10,16,17 There is a general lack of knowledge about oral cancer among the UK population 18,19 and even among some medical and dental professionals.…”