Mouth cancer to be debated on world stage
by Guy Hiscott
The second North American/Global Dental Hygiene Research Conference is being held in Maryland, USA, from 20 to 22 October 2011.
During this time dental hygienists from around the world will share their research, and invited speakers will present new research related to oral cancer, smoking cessation interventions, bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis and remineralisation therapies.
Associate director of the National Center for Dental Hygiene Research & Practice, Ann Spolarich, lent her support to finding a cure for the disease.
She said: ‘During one of the plenary sessions at the conference, a leading international expert will explore the state of the science regarding oral cancer risk assessment, diagnosis and management, including a discussion about the reliability and validity of available in-office oral cancer screening tests.
‘Further, results from a major practice-based research study that examines how dental hygienists can best provide tobacco cessation counselling will be presented. It is also quite likely that original research papers submitted for oral and poster presentations will address oral cancer and tobacco use.’
Chief executive of the International Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, expressed his delight at oral cancer appearing on the agenda.
Dr Carter said: ‘Through Mouth Cancer Action Month we have campaigned for greater awareness of oral cancer for several years. The worldwide challenge is daunting and the conference will provide an excellent opportunity to increase awareness of the disease and hopefully stimulate debate on new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.’
For a registration form, an abstract submission form (due 15 March) and further information please email Jane Forrest at jforrest@usc.edu or Ann Spolarich at AnnEshSpo@aol.com.
