The number of reported cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) is rapidly increasing, and its links to oral cancer provide great cause for concern amongst the dental profession. Up to eight out of ten people will be infected by HPV during their lives, but many strains of the virus are not dangerous and will often go undetected. It is those associated with cancer that are most worrying, with some strains found in more than 30% of patients with oropharyngeal cancer.1

Vigilance and careful attention to detail are imperative during opportunistic screening for oral cancer, and it is important to refresh and update your knowledge and skills regularly. The interactive oral cancer module designed by IDH and the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) is the ideal tool for this, helping to raise awareness and understanding of oral cancer. It is completely free to all healthcare professionals in the UK, and those who seek a CPD certificate need only pay £25 excluding VAT, £5 of which will be sent directly to the British Dental Health Foundation.

Make sure you are prepared for the fight against oral cancer: to find out more about the free oral cancer training available visit http://www.dentalgroups.co.uk/mouth_cancer.php.

For more information about the ADG visit www.dentalgroups.co.uk.