When a Dentist Dies of Oral Cancer: The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Presented by: Parul Makkar, BSc, DDS, FACD
Original Publication Date: May 15, 2024
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Course Description:
Early detection and treatment are the key to surviving an oral cancer diagnosis. As dental professionals on the front line, screening during examination is crucial for early detection and diagnosis. In this essential course, we will identify patient risk factors, explore the statistics, and discuss the importance and effectiveness of HPV vaccinations. Together, we will delve into the essential screening examination and documentation protocols and illuminate signs, symptoms, and enhanced early detection tools. Together, we will explore staging and treatment options. We will also emphasize skills for communicating results and referral protocols.
Learning Objectives:
- What are Oral cancer vs oropharyngeal cancers, and why are rates increasing?
- What are the risk factors
- How to document lesions, soft tissue, hard tissue
- When and to whom to refer
- How to screen patients and its importance
- How to help patients undergoing cancer treatments
- Sharing a personal aspect of Cancer.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Parul Dua Makkar completed her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999, Magna Cum Laude, and then DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 2003. She practiced in Alberta, CA, before moving to NY. She completed GPR training at Staten Island University Hospital in 2007 and has been in private practice since then. She owns PDM Family Dental in Long Island, NY, where she resides with her husband and two boys. Dr. Makkar's life took a different trajectory when she lost her only younger sibling, Dr. Manu Dua, to Oral Cancer last year. He was a Dentist as well. Since his death, she has devoted her time to educating doctors and patients alike about risk factors and prevention and advocating for early diagnosis of Oral cancer. She has co-authored several dental journals, presented lectures to dentists, and has been a guest at several podcasts besides her. She believes oral care is the gateway to well-being and aims to converse openly with her patients. Dr. Parul Dua Makkar has been featured in the American, Canadian, and British Dental Journals. She received the Denobi Awards 2022, Long Island Excellence in Healthcare 2022, and Power Woman of Long Island 2022. She has been awarded the Outstanding Women’s Achievement Award by Indian American Forum 2023 and named Healthcare Hero in May 2023. She has also co-authored the book ‘Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Sample Abstract Template Guide’ which is a winner of the CIPA EVVY Award for Motivational/Inspirational Books and Distinguished Favorite by the NYC Big Book Award. She serves as a wellness ambassador to the American Dental Association and a fellow of the American College of Dentists.