COVID-19 Impact on the Oral Cancer Screening Challenge
In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, AGD Foundation has decided to cancel the Oral Cancer Screening Challenge.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, with nearly 53,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed this year. One person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. A recent and rapid rise in cases of oropharyngeal cancer has been linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because it can go unnoticed in its preliminary stages. In many cases, however, dentists can detect the disease early, which makes the dental community the first line of defense against oral cancer.
Volunteer to Screen for Oral Cancer at AGD2020
As dental health professionals, we have an opportunity and responsibility to play an active role in educating our patients and the public about oral cancer prevention and screening.
Join in the fight by volunteering at the AGD Foundation's free oral cancer screenings for AGD Scientific Session attendees and employees of Caesars Palace, Friday July 17, at AGD2020 at Caesars Palace. Sign up online at www.agd.org/DentistHygienistVolunteers for one or more of the available time slots scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The AGD Foundation will provide a fully equipped workstation for volunteers.
In order to screen patients at AGD2020 dentists and hygienists must be licensed in the state of Nevada. However, while the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners does not issue temporary licenses for out-of-state dentists and hygienists, the Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health may authorize voluntary health care services by out-of-state licensed dentists and hygienists. The AGD Foundation Oral Cancer Screening Event qualifies under this category. All dentist and hygienist volunteers including those licensed in Nevada and those licensed out-of-state, are required to submit to the AGD Foundation a copy of their practice license and proof of professional liability insurance no later than May 29, 2020. These documents must be valid through July 17, 2020 before participating in the oral cancer screenings. Please fax documents to the AGD Foundation at 312.335.3426. For more information contact us at foundation@agd.org.
AGD Oral Cancer Resources
AGD has a library of information readily available for you to use or share with your patients. Here are just a few of the many resources:
Patient Fact Sheet:
Understanding the Dangers of Tobacco Use
What You Should Know About Oral Cancer
Video:
Free on-demand webinars (for AGD members):
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Head and Neck Cancer
Tobacco's Harmful Impact on Oral Health and Cessation Opportunities