A practical refresher on spotting oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders early — structured examination, red flags, and how to refer urgently through UK pathways.
Course aim
Equip every clinical team member to examine the soft tissues systematically, recognise lesions that need urgent attention, communicate clearly with patients, and make timely specialist referrals.
What you will be able to do
- 1Describe key risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancer in the UK.
- 2Perform a systematic extra-oral and intra-oral soft-tissue examination.
- 3Recognise red-flag signs and symptoms that require urgent specialist referral.
- 4Decide when to monitor, investigate or refer common mucosal findings.
- 5Explain the urgent suspected cancer pathway and what a good referral includes.
- 6Communicate findings sensitively and document examination and advice accurately.
Suitable for: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Nurses and Orthodontic Therapists.
Always follow current national guidance and your local urgent suspected cancer referral criteria. This course supports early detection knowledge for verifiable CPD.
Course Content
Begin with lesson 1 — later lessons unlock as you progress.
Start course: 1. Why early detection matters — epidemiology and risk factors