Cancer education curriculum at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry

The cancer education curriculum at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry provides students didactic and experiential learning throughout their dental training. Freshman are presented concepts of early detection of cancer in an oral diagnosis course. Later courses in oral diagnosis, medicine, and pathology include diagnostic and treatment decision making and rehabilitative information. Junior students attend a head-and-neck-tumor board composed of dentists and physicians that decides cancer treatment and rehabilitation. Juniors also participate in a biopsy service that includes observing or performing the biopsy, examining the tissue microscopically, and reporting their findings. Additionally, a required, medical and dental, multidisciplinary course in oral oncology provides instruction in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Seniors participate in an oral cancer screening service as part of their community dentistry rotation. The postgraduate dental programs and the dental hygiene programs also participate in this curriculum.