Supporting Patient Education During Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time for dental practices to shine a spotlight on a disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year. More than 54,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer annually, and nearly 11,000 will die from it, according to the American Cancer Society. These statistics highlight an urgent need for early detection—and your dental team plays a pivotal role in spreading awareness and potentially saving lives.

But simply recognizing the month isn’t enough. Dentists can use this opportunity to empower their team to become active educators in the fight against oral cancer. By equipping your hygienists, assistants, and front office staff with knowledge and tools, you turn awareness into action—and build stronger patient relationships in the process.

Start with Internal Education

Before educating patients, team members need to feel confident in their own understanding of oral cancer risks, signs, and screening protocols. Schedule a short training session or lunch-and-learn with your team to align on messaging and boost clinical knowledge.

Key training points can include:

• Common symptoms of oral cancer (e.g., mouth sores, lumps, red/white patches)
• High-risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV
• Importance of early detection and regular screenings
• How to communicate these points effectively and compassionately to patients

Provide Clear, Consistent Messaging

Equip your team with ready-to-use language and printed or digital materials they can use during patient interactions. A unified message builds credibility and ensures that each patient receives the same level of care and concern—whether they’re speaking with the front desk or the hygienist.

Helpful tools might include:

• Brochures in treatment rooms and waiting areas
• Social media posts and email templates
• Scripts for front desk staff when confirming appointments
• Chairside visuals to explain the oral cancer screening process

Encourage Screenings as a Standard of Care

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, early detection can increase survival rates by up to 80–90%. Encouraging your team to routinely offer oral cancer screenings—especially during the month of April—can make a lasting impact on your patients’ health and show them your practice goes the extra mile.

Ways to promote screenings:

• Offer complimentary screenings during April
• Include screening reminders on appointment cards and check-in forms
• Highlight the screening in your hygiene visits as part of total oral wellness

Make it Personal

When team members share why oral cancer awareness matters to them personally—whether through patient stories or professional experiences—it makes the conversation more relatable and memorable. Empower your staff to communicate authentically and with empathy.

Encourage team members to:

• Share educational posts on their own social media pages
• Wear oral cancer awareness pins or shirts during April
• Participate in awareness campaigns or community health events

Recognize and Reward Team Participation

Create a culture of engagement by celebrating your team’s involvement. Not only does this boost morale, but it also reinforces the importance of their role in educating and protecting patients.

Ideas for recognition include:

• A shoutout in your practice newsletter or social media
• Small rewards or gift cards for team members who go above and beyond
• A team lunch or outing to celebrate Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Strengthening the Patient Bond

When patients see that your entire dental team is proactive about their overall health—not just their teeth—they’re more likely to develop trust and loyalty. This leads to better case acceptance, long-term relationships, and more referrals.

In uncertain economic times, investing in patient education and wellness not only saves lives—it’s a smart business strategy. Empower your team this April, and turn awareness into action that benefits your patients, your staff, and your practice.