Mouth Cancer Action (MCA) month is a charity campaign that raises awareness of mouth cancer and its detrimental effects on the quality of life, and also promotes the value of early detection and prevention.

Smoking has many devastating impacts on the human body, including on the oral cavity. As members of the dental team, we are in an ideal position to support patients through their quitting journey due to the regular contact we have with them over extended periods of time. Stoptober is a 28-day stop smoking challenge. It is based on research showing that if you quit for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit permanently. This provides an excellent opportunity to motivate patients to quit.

As an oral health educator (OHE), you play an essential role in promoting good oral health and the adoption of healthier habits. With prevention and minimally invasive dentistry becoming the epicentre of patient care, your position has become ever more relevant.

Those of you who are regular readers of the ‘Spotlight’ articles will know that in the last article I had a look at the new regulations surrounding environmental cleaning within practices. These have come in with the publication of the NHS Standards of Cleanliness 2021. 

A big congratulations to Stephanie our head tutor. Stephanie has been recognised for her education achievements and is now a member of the Faculty of Dental Trainers.