April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and as myofunctional professionals, we all share a vital role in detecting early signs of oral cancer. On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 7 PM CST, join us for an IAOM webinar with renowned oral cancer expert Susan Cotten, BSDH, RDH, OMT. Whether you’re experienced in screening or want to build a foundation in this area, this webinar is designed to provide practical, actionable takeaways for every member of our community.
A Shared Commitment to Early Detection
Every interaction with a patient is an opportunity to make a difference, regardless of your professional background. For some, oral cancer screening may already be a familiar component of patient care. For others, this process may feel new or outside the realm of traditional training. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, this webinar aims to build awareness, confidence, and the ability to take meaningful steps toward improved patient outcomes.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often work closely with patients who may display signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancer, even if it’s not something they learned in their formal education. By gaining a better understanding of what to look for and how to respond, SLPs can enhance the care they provide during evaluations and sessions.
Registered dental hygienists (RDHs) may already incorporate oral cancer screening into their routines, but there’s always room to sharpen skills, stay updated with the latest evidence, and refine observation and referral methods. Together, we can create a stronger network of early detection across disciplines that benefits every patient.
What the Webinar Covers
Under the guidance of Susan Cotten, you’ll learn practical, approachable strategies for integrating oral cancer screening into your work, no matter your level of experience:
- Recognizing the Signs
○ Identifying subtle indicators like persistent sores, color changes, swelling, or difficulty swallowing. ○ Understanding key risk factors like HPV and lifestyle considerations.
- Taking Action
○ Understanding how to observe, monitor, and document findings when something unusual presents itself.
○ Knowing when and how to make a referral if symptoms don’t resolve within two weeks. 3. Communicating Risk and Screening Importance
○ Learn how to frame conversations about oral cancer and HPV in ways that encourage understanding and proactive patient behavior.
These insights will help every participant feel more confident and prepared to integrate oral cancer screening into their evaluations and interactions.
Meet Susan Cotten
With over 60,000 screenings performed in her career, Susan Cotten is a highly respected leader in oral cancer education. She developed The Cotten Method, a systematic approach designed to guide professionals in conducting comprehensive yet straightforward head and neck exams. The method is built on four science-based pillars:
- Etiologies
- Risk Factors
- Signs and Symptoms
- Hands-On Screening
Susan’s teaching approach is compassionate and empowering, providing tools tailored to professionals from diverse disciplines.
Why This Matters
Early detection is critical in reducing the devastating impact of oral cancer. By improving our collective knowledge and forming a unified, multidisciplinary approach, we can enhance screening efforts, support each other in this shared mission, and ultimately save lives.
Whether you’re looking to build new skills, deepen your understanding, or refresh your existing knowledge, this webinar provides a collaborative space to grow as a professional and make a meaningful difference in patient care.
Reserve Your Spot
Join us for this opportunity to expand your expertise, increase your confidence, and contribute to life-changing outcomes for your patients. Regardless of your role, every screening creates the chance to save a life.
Don’t miss this essential opportunity to expand your expertise and potentially make a difference in your patients’ lives—reserve your spot today!
