WEBINAR: “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” How About the Oral-Oral Link!
WEBINAR: “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” How About the Oral-Oral Link!
Presented by Susan Cotten, BS, RDH, OMT
Periodontitis and persistent HPV infections are two chronic conditions within the oral cavity that significantly increase the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Yet many clinicians feel underprepared to confidently assess, discuss and educate patients on these risks.
This webinar delivers the clinical clarity and practical tools needed to lead these conversations with confidence.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of HPV, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers and the role of periodontal disease as a contributing risk factor. The webinar will walk through a comprehensive extraoral and intraoral evaluation, including a thorough oropharyngeal assessment, to strengthen screening protocols.
Plus, learn clear, patient-friendly language and strategies to effectively communicate about HPV, cancer risk, and prevention without discomfort or confusion.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including modes of transmission and relevance to dental practice
- Identify cancers associated with HPV, with an emphasis on oropharyngeal cancer risk
- Recognize key anatomical structures of the oropharynx to support accurate clinical evaluation
- Perform a comprehensive oropharyngeal screening as part of routine examinations
- Assess and document Tonsil Grade and Mallampati Score to support risk identification and referrals
- Evaluate the role of periodontitis as a contributing risk factor for oral and oropharyngeal cancers
Register today to increase your role and effectiveness in cancer prevention.
Susan Cotten, BS, RDH, OMT, has performed over 60,000 oral cancer screenings and developed The Cotten MethodTM of Screening, a science-based and proven method. She works with dental professionals and dental teams who want confidence performing a comprehensive oral cancer screening and head and neck exam. She works with dental hygiene schools and is an instructor at the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists. She has provided free screenings with The Denver Homeless Head and Neck Cancer Screening and Care Group and organized countless free screening events in collaboration with The Oral Cancer Foundation. Susan is an RDH advisory member for The Oral Cancer Foundation, serves on the RDH editorial advisory board for RDH Magazine, and is a past board member and oral cancer screening coordinator for COMOM.
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Rate:
$0 MDDS Member
$0 MDDS Member Dental Team
$25 MDDS Non-member
$25 MDDS Non-member Dental Team
Location: Zoom Webinar
CE Credits: 1
Format:
Live Virtual, On-Demand available for 3 months following the webinar.
Speaker Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Cancellation Deadline: September 18, 2026
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.