Vakgroep Mondziekten en Kaakchirurgie/Orale Pathologie, Vrije Universiteit te Amsterdam, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA).
An overview is presented of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical and diagnostic aspects, treatment and possible prevention of oral cancer. The dental profession may play a key role in the early detection of cancer and possible precursor lesions such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia. Since the use of tobacco is considered to be the main etiologic factor in oral cancer the dentist can play an active role in its primary prevention by informing his patients about the adverse effect of tobacco use and by encouraging patients to enter tobacco cessation programs.