Speaker: Jaisri R Thoppay BDS, MBA, MS, DABOM, MSHA, EdD

Program Track: Clinical

Course Description: This course provides a practical, evidence-based framework for integrating the 2026 oral cancer screening standards into everyday clinical practice. Participants will learn to perform thorough, standardized head, neck, and intraoral examinations; appropriately incorporate diagnostic adjuncts such as cytology based on current guidelines; and follow a clear, streamlined clinical pathway for evaluating and managing suspicious lesions, including determining when to monitor, when to biopsy, and when to use adjunctive tools.

Learning Objectives:

• Execute Standardized Examinations: Perform comprehensive head, neck, and intraoral examinations as the foundational standard for early detection of oral mucosal abnormalities.
• Apply Evidence-Based Adjuncts: Evaluate the clinical necessity of diagnostic adjuncts (including cytology), distinguishing between appropriate diagnostic applications and screening use in asymptomatic patients per 2026 guidelines and emerging technologies.
• Standardize Clinical Pathways: Implement a systematic, evidence-based workflow for managing suspicious lesions, utilizing clear criteria to determine when to biopsy and when to use adjunctive tools.

CE Credit Hours: 1.5

Original Date of Session: April 8, 2026

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.