The role of dental care providers and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the surgical and medical management of oral cancer in the United States.

Oral cancer results in significant morbidity and mortality in those afflicted. Despite modern treatments, mortality is high, with overall 5-year survival rates that approximate 50%. However, early stage disease (Stages 1 and 2) carries a significantly better prognosis than late stage disease (Stages 3 and 4), therefore, prevention and early detection continue to be important in improving oral cancer control. The role of dental care providers in routine oral cancer screenings, smoking cessation, treatment, and rehabilitation of oral cancer patients is emphasized in this article. This article also discusses the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer and the role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the surgical and medical management of oral cancer patients in the United States.