Mouth Cancer Awareness 2012
The Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) participated for the third successive year in the national mouth cancer awareness programme which this year was held on Wednesday 19th September. The Hospital opened its doors to the public and its patients to provide information on mouth cancer, its symptoms and the life choices that can help prevent it.
The 4th and 5th year Dental Science students provided information on how to examine yourself for mouth cancers, highlighting when a person should be concerned and when to approach their dentist or doctor. Our 2nd year Dental Hygiene students provided very valuable information on smoking cessation and the dangers of smoking, one of the major causes of mouth cancer.
On 19th September 2012 the DDUH answered 21 hotline calls from general dentists with reference to mouth cancer. The Oral Medicine Unit carried out 5 biopsies and has received 81 referrals from general dentists since then. Extra clinics to see these patients were arranged by the senior staff in Division III.
In addition to thanking members of staff and students who were involved both on the day and in subsequent clinics, the Dublin Dental University Hospital would also like to thank those who hosted information and product stands including the Irish Cancer Society, the Dental Health Foundation, Pamex Ireland Ltd and GSK Ltd. Each of these stands provided patients and the public with valuable information on mouth cancer and how it can be prevented.