An educational program for oral cancer detection

The Virginia oral cancer screening program provides a unique educational opportunity for undergraduate dental and medical students to enhance their skills in oral diagnosis and biopsy technique. During this week-long trip to underserved areas of the state, an average of 761 patients are examined and 44 biopsies performed. Approximately 31% of all the biopsies done since 1972 have been diagnosed as either a premalignant or malignant lesion. The value of this program to both the students and the patients is discussed.