Spotting the Signs of Oral Cancer; Pharmacy & Dental Teams Together

Course Content:-

This multidisciplinary event invites colleagues from Community Pharmacy and Dental Services to shine a spotlight on recognising the early signs and symptoms of possible oral cancers and understanding the importance of timely advice and referral.

This is the first local event bringing the two professions together to highlight patient challenges in accessing dental care and the rise in self-care treatments purchased over the counter at pharmacies.

The webinar has been developed in response to Norfolk's participation in a national pilot supporting cancer screening referrals through community pharmacies. During the pilot, two oral cancers were detected following initial consultations in the pharmacy and onward referral for further investigation. Hosted and supported by: Norfolk Local Dental Committee; Norfolk & Suffolk ICB; Community Pharmacy Norfolk & Suffolk. 

Speakers include:

• Jason Stokes, Dentist and representative from Norfolk LDC
• Sharon Gardner, Pharmacist and Head of Community Pharmacy Commissioning at Norfolk & Suffolk ICB, and supported by representatives from Community Pharmacy Norfolk & Suffolk

What we'll cover:

• Common signs and symptoms of possible oral cancer (what to look for, and when to be concerned)
• How to ask sensitively about symptoms and risk factors in time-pressured settings
• Red flags that warrant urgent signposting or referral
• How pharmacy and dental teams can work together to improve patient journeys, especially when access to dental care is difficult
• Learning from the Norfolk pilot: what has worked in practice and how to build confidence in escalation pathways

Come along to strengthen awareness across pharmacy and dentistry, improve consistent messaging to patients, and support prompt onward referral when something doesn't look or feel right. It's also a great opportunity to build networks across both sectors.

Early Detection saves lives.