Fostering Inter-Professional Education of Oral Cancer Screening

Each year, more than 80,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer but the number of healthcare professionals who screen for these types of cancers needs to increase. Screenings can help with prevention and early detection to improve chances for a better outcomes for patients.

That’s why the Dobleman Head and Neck Cancer Institute recently donated the gift of a special room to the Creighton School of Dentistry that will help Creighton health sciences students grow in their knowledge of cancer detection through inter-professional education.

“Involving medical students in a dental treatment setting will expand their knowledge and understanding of oral cancer and make them better qualified and motivated to look for it during exams, especially important for patients who do not see a dentist regularly,” said Diagnostic Sciences Chair, John Shaner, DMD.

The Dobleman Institute builds cancer awareness in the region and organizes free screenings for symptoms such as a lump or sore in the throat, neck, lip, jaw or tongue that does not heal or go away. The Institute also provides emotional and tactical support for cancer survivors.

Click here to learn more about the Dobleman Institute, or donate.