Dental Society Presentation Emphasizes the Need for Earlier Detection and New Screening Approaches
Dr. Blum was recently invited to speak at a meeting of the Thurston-Mason Counties (TMC) Dental Society in Olympia, Washington, where he addressed one of the most pressing and evolving challenges in oral healthcare: the rising incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer.
His presentation, “Beyond the Oral Exam: The Dentist’s Role in Detecting HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer,” explored how dental professionals can help address this growing public health concern by expanding awareness, recognizing potential warning signs, and considering emerging molecular screening approaches.
A Growing Cancer Challenge—and an Opportunity for Earlier Detection
HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the tonsils and back of the throat, has become an increasingly important health concern in the United States. HPV is responsible for approximately 70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases. The same virus is also associated with cervical and anal cancers.
While decades of cervical cancer screening and HPV testing have helped reduce cervical cancer incidence, oropharyngeal cancer presents a different challenge. In the United States, the number of new oropharyngeal cancer cases now substantially exceeds that of cervical cancer.
A critical difference is that HPV-associated throat cancer can develop in areas that are difficult to examine during a routine dental visit. Unlike many oral cavity cancers, which may present as visible lesions, oropharyngeal cancers can develop deeper within the tonsillar tissue and the base of the tongue. As a result, early disease may not produce an obvious abnormality during a standard visual examination.
Patients may not recognize a problem until symptoms develop, such as a persistent lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or changes in their voice. By that point, the disease may already be advanced.
Expanding the Role of the Dental Professional
Dr. Blum emphasized that dentists are uniquely positioned to contribute to earlier detection. Regular dental visits provide an important opportunity to examine the oral cavity and neck, identify suspicious findings, educate patients about HPV, and recognize when further evaluation may be warranted.
Current American Dental Association (ADA) guidance emphasizes visual and tactile examinations of the oral cavity and adjacent structures, along with appropriate follow-up of suspicious findings. However, these examinations cannot reliably identify every HPV infection or detect every developing cancer in the oropharynx.
Although HPV vaccination is an important preventive measure, it does not eliminate the need for continued awareness and appropriate clinical evaluation. Furthermore, routine molecular screening for oropharyngeal HPV has not yet been established as a standard recommendation in ADA guidance.
This creates an important opportunity to explore complementary approaches that may help dentists and physicians better understand a patient's HPV status and determine when additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Molecular Testing: An Emerging Addition to the Screening Conversation
Dr. Blum discussed advances in molecular testing that offer new possibilities for identifying high-risk oropharyngeal HPV infections. These approaches may complement traditional oral examinations by detecting the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with oropharyngeal cancer.
Among the technologies discussed was OmniPathology’s proprietary OP2 oropharyngeal HPV assay, developed to detect high-risk HPV types associated with cancer using a swab-based molecular testing approach.
By introducing molecular testing into the conversation about oral healthcare, dentists can explore additional ways to educate patients about HPV-associated cancer risk and collaborate with medical professionals when further assessment is appropriate.
Importantly, a positive HPV test does not mean that a patient has cancer, and a negative result does not eliminate all cancer risk. Molecular HPV testing must be interpreted within the appropriate clinical context and should complement—not replace—clinical examinations, evaluation of concerning symptoms, and indicated diagnostic procedures.
Strong Interest from the Dental Community
The presentation generated considerable interest and engagement from the TMC Dental Society audience. Attendees were eager to learn more about the evolving role of HPV testing, the limitations of conventional oral examinations, and how emerging screening technologies might fit into their practices.
The discussion underscored a growing recognition that dental professionals can play an important role in addressing HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer—not only through routine examinations and patient education, but also by staying informed about new approaches to risk assessment and early detection.
Advancing the Future of Oral Cancer Detection
As the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer continues to challenge healthcare professionals, greater awareness, appropriate follow-up, and continued innovation will be essential to improving patient care.
Dr. Blum’s presentation reinforced an important message: The future of oral cancer detection may require looking beyond what can be seen during a routine examination.
Through continued education and the development of innovative molecular diagnostic technologies, OmniPathology is working to advance the conversation around HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer and help healthcare professionals explore new opportunities to improve patient awareness, assessment, and care.
Celebrating Collaboration and Commitment to Dental Education
A special recognition goes to Krista Grinstead, Business Development Specialist at OmniPathology, whose initiative and dedication helped bring this important educational program to the Thurston-Mason Counties (TMC) Dental Society in Olympia, Washington. Working closely with the society’s leadership, Krista helped champion the topic of oropharyngeal HPV and throat cancer and facilitate the selection of a guest speaker to address this increasingly important issue in patient care.
Through her strong relationships with dentists and healthcare providers throughout Washington and Oregon, Krista continues to build meaningful connections that promote education, collaboration, and greater awareness of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Her efforts exemplify OmniPathology’s commitment to supporting dental professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to help advance early recognition and improve patient outcomes. We are proud to see Krista helping bring these important conversations to the forefront of dental care!
Pictured: Krista Grinstead (Business Development Specialist, OmniPathology)
