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Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Screening for Oral Cancer in a Mixed General Dental Practice
1Speciality Doctor in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery University Hospital Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
How effectively is oral cancer screening being performed in a mixed general dental practice? Screening for oral cancer is a powerful tool in early detection and treatment of cancer. This audit aims to assess the effectiveness of oral cancer screening at a mixed NHS and private general dental practice in the West Midlands. A retrospective review of 100 case notes were audited for recording of soft tissue examination and social history, including alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. The standards were set at 100% for both soft tissue examination and social history. The results showed that 100% of patients had received a soft tissue examination and 99% had their social history recorded. An attempt to eliminate the deficit to the set standard was by changing the medical history form to include social history. A re-audit is planned for six months' time.
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