Objectives: To determine if an educational campaign about oral cancer, combined with the offer of free oral cancer screening, would result in increased access to oral healthcare by patients who do not otherwise seek dental care

Methods: An educational campaign consisting of contacting community leaders, presenting seminars, and distributing flyers was carried out through a network of Hispanic community centers. A free oral cancer screening was offered at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.

Results: To date, approximately 20 patients have responded to the educational campaign and received an oral cancer screening in this ongoing study. 80% of the patients were female. 13% were African-American, 87% Hispanic. 47% of patients had last been evaluated by a dentist 6 months ago; 13% 6-12 months ago and 40% 1-5 years ago. 47% of the patients reported they had seen a flyer posted in a community center, and 53% heard a talk from a university representative. 87% of the patients were aware of oral cancer, but 47% were unaware it could spread. 73% of the patients were aware oral cancer could be lethal. 67% of the patients were aware that the dentist could test if oral lesions were cancerous. To date, 13% of the patients continued with comprehensive dental care.

Conclusions: Women may be more likely to respond to such a campaign than men. At least 40% of patients who responded to the educational campaign were not receiving regular dental care. These interim results indicate that when presented with information about oral cancer and the availability of an oral cancer screening examination, patients who do not otherwise seek dental care will seek access to oral healthcare.

Supported in part by unrestricted research grants from the Dental Trade Alliance and by Oral CDx Laboratories

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