PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Oral cancer continues to be a significant health problem in the United States. Approximately 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. Currently, one-third of those patients who receive a diagnosis of oral cancer will eventually die of their disease. The long-term survival of oral cancer patients is directly proportional to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. Dental health care workers are uniquely positioned to detect the presence of oral cancer and its precursors, thus providing for significantly increased long-term survival. In addition, dental health care workers are intimately involved with the management of oral complications from both oral cancer and therapy, thus having a significant impact on reducing the morbidity of the disease and its treatment.

Recurrent oral ulcerations frequently pose diagnostic and therapeutic problems for the practicing dentist and dental hygienist.  Because of overlapping clinical signs and symptoms, many of these disorders may be confused with each other and, as a result, treated inappropriately.  This presentation is designed to provide dentists, dental hygienists and assistants with the major clinical signs and symptoms of such diseases; the diagnostic criteria and tests needed to achieve an accurate diagnosis; and the currently accepted therapeutic modalities used in patient care.

FACULTY: Denis P. Lynch, DDS, PhD, received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California at San Francisco in 1976.  He subsequently completed a residency in oral and maxillofacial pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as a Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology.  Dr. Lynch joined the faculty of the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1981, eventually serving as Executive Associate Dean.  In 1993 he went to the University of Tennessee Memphis as Executive Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry and served as both Professor of Dentistry and Professor of Medicine until 2002.  Dr. Lynch is currently Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, as well as Professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  He is the author of numerous scientific articles and book chapters, as well as the co-author of The Mouth: Diagnosis and Treatment.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• discuss the epidemiology and etiology of oral cancer,

• identify the clinical features of oral cancer,

• utilize the diagnostic techniques and procedures for patients with oral cancer,

• identify the primary treatment and management modalities associated with oral cancer,

• discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic problems related to recurrent oral ulcerations, 

• discuss the diagnostic criteria and tests needed to achieve an accurate diagnosis;

• utilize accepted therapeutic modalities used in patient care.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and other Dental Professionals.

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM             Registration, Sign-In, and Introductions

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM          Oral Cancers

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM        Morning Break

 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM       Oral Cancers – continued

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM          Lunch (on your own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM            Recurrent Oral Ulcerations

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM            Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM            Recurrent Oral Ulcerations -- continued

4:30 PM                              Program Closing and Evaluation

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Continuing Education Credit: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits. 

REGISTRATION: Registration fee is $190.00 for dentists, $125.00 for all other dental professionals.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material. Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137. Seating is limited. Registration is not complete until payment received. Refunds, minus a $15 processing fee, will be made until 3 days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date.
Confirmation letters will not be sent.