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ORAL CANCER SCREENING: IT'S MORE THAN GRASPING THE TONGUE - PART I - Buffalo Dental Show

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8

Apr

ORAL CANCER SCREENING: IT’S MORE THAN GRASPING THE TONGUE – PART I

by

Thurs., Nov. 6, 2025
Time: TBD (AM) / Lecture
Room: TBD
Speaker: Susan Cotten, BSDH, RDH, OMT

Recommended for: Everyone

What we know now through evidence and research, the Human Papillomavirus/HPV is responsible for approximately 80% of oropharyngeal cancers, and there is an increase in oral cancer of the mobile tongue in people under 45 with no known risk factors.

Current evidence also reveals that there are known signs and symptoms of oral and oropharyngeal cancer that may be present before anything is identified with the naked eye when screening, and there are additional risk factors that may increase the risk of oral cancer. In this course, attendees will gain an appreciation of a written and verbal inquiry of the etiologies, risk factors, and signs and symptoms associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, to aid in screening and early detection.

This course takes attendees on a journey into critical information about oral cancer, exploring the first three science-based pillars in The Cotten Method of screening: etiologies, additional risk factors, and signs and symptoms. Utilizing current evidence, oral cancer survivor stories, and awareness of liability concerns, attendees will gain a solid understanding of the Human Papillomavirus/HPV, the additional risk factors for oral cancer, the signs and symptoms associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and why these are essential components of a comprehensive screening for early detection.

Learning Objectives:

  • List etiologies of oral and oropharyngeal cancer including Betel Quid.
  • Discuss the Human Papillomavirus/HPV.
  • Recognize potential signs and symptoms of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
  • Name additional risk factors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
  • Articulate the importance of an updated health history or separate oral cancer screening form.
  • Gain a deeper understanding why a thorough screening today includes a risk assessment and inquiry of persistent signs and symptoms.

Susan Cotten, BSDH, RDH, OMT is dentistry’s oral cancer coach, she has performed over 60 thousand oral cancer screenings! She lives and breathes early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer, thoroughly screening every patient, and reducing the risk of liability for the dental professional. As a skin cancer survivor, Susan advocates for observing the skin of the head and neck for abnormalities during the oral cancer screening and making a referral to a dermatologist for further investigation.

There was a time in Susan’s dental hygiene career when she knew very little about oral cancer and was neither confident nor thorough when performing an oral cancer screening. It was two events within the same week, a heartbreaking conversation with her favorite patient who is an oropharyngeal cancer survivor and being selected for Donny Osmond’s Make a Difference program, which acted as catalysts for her passion and deep dive into HPV, oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and creating The Cotton Method of screening.

Susan is the founder and CEO of Oral Cancer Consulting, and she developed The Cotten Method of screening. Susan believes the entire dental team plays a role in raising awareness, educating patients, and early detection. She works with dental professionals who want to have confidence in screening, reduce the risk of liability, increase early detection, and perform this procedure efficiently.

Susan is the Dental Lead for the Alliance for HPV Free Colorado, an RDH Magazine editorial board member, a RDH Advisory Board member at the Oral Cancer Foundation, an instructor at National Network of Healthcare Hygienists, and KOL for several dental companies. Susan has organized countless free oral cancer screening events, including the Denver Broncos Health and Wellness Expo, and most recently at Rocky Mountain Dental Convention. Susan has volunteered with a head and neck oncology surgeon providing free head and neck exams/oral cancer screenings to the homeless. She has appeared on 9News in Denver discussing HPV, the HPV vaccine, and oral cancer. She is a past oral cancer screening coordinator and board member for the Colorado Mission of Mercy.

Susan was selected the winner of Dentistry’s Got Talent in 2023, a dental speaking competition consisting of dentists, dental hygienists, consultants, and coaches. Judges were event planners from major dental conferences across the U.S. Susan is the 2020 recipient of the Ethel Covington Award from the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association/CODHA. In 2018 she received the Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction and CODHA Outstanding Contribution Award. Susan founded M.A.D. (Make A Difference) for Healthy Smiles as a 2010-2011 member of Donny Osmond’s inaugural Make a Difference program and received Volunteer of the Year from the Oral Cancer Foundation in 2011.

Ms. Cotten (or an immediate family member) has a significant relationship with the following commercial organizations whose products she will refer to in her presentation: Curaden, Crown Seating, BioGaia, VOCO, and AdDent.

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Office of Alumni Relations and Professional Engagement designates this activity for 3 continuing education credits.

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