"The Importance of Early Detection of Oral Cancer" with Dr. Subodh Nanavati

In this episode of The Ultimate Dental Podcast, Dr. David Moffet interviews Dr. Subodh Nanavati. Dr. Subodh is an OMF Surgeon from Houston Texas and is one of the pioneer educators of dentists on the importance of early detection of oral cancer and the need for dentists to prioritise oral cancer screening. In this interview, Dr. Subodh Nanavati discusses his journey in dentistry and his specialisation in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He also emphasises the importance of early detection of oral cancer and the need for dentists to prioritise oral cancer screening, including the use of biomarker studies and salivary diagnostic techniques for early diagnosis. He also discusses the challenges in integrating effective oral cancer screening into routine dental examinations and the need for proper education and awareness among dental practitioners. The use of salivary tests for biomarkers is highlighted as a crucial tool in detecting oral cancer and assessing the risk level. The discussion also touches on the significance of the oral microbiome and its role in the development of oral pre-malignant disorders. The need for dentists to prioritise saving lives and the potential consequences of misdiagnosis or non-diagnosis are emphasised. The conversation concludes with a call to action for dentists to implement oral cancer screening and utilise salivary tests for better patient care. What you will learn: [01:20] Journey in Dentistry and Specialization in Oral Surgery [09:56] The Importance of Early Detection of Oral Cancer [16:32] Biomarker Studies and Salivary Diagnostic Techniques [24:55] Integrating Oral Cancer Screening into Routine Dental Examinations [28:30] The Need for Education and Awareness in Oral Cancer Screening [30:40] The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening [31:42] Salivary Tests for Biomarkers: Assessing Risk Levels [36:29] The Role of the Oral Microbiome in Oral Pre-Malignant Disorders [38:25] Dentists's Responsibility: Saving Lives [42:56] Consequences of Misdiagnosis or Non-diagnosis [46:43] Call to Action: Implementing Oral Cancer Screening Takeaways  Dr. Subodh Nanavati shares his journey in dentistry and his specialisation in oral and maxillofacial surgery.  Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for better patient outcomes. Biomarker studies and salivary diagnostic techniques can help in the early diagnosis of oral cancer.  Dental practitioners need to prioritise oral cancer screening and integrate it into routine dental examinations.  Proper education and awareness are essential for effective oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screening is essential and should be a priority for dentists.  Salivary tests for biomarkers provide valuable information for assessing the risk of oral cancer.  The presence of certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the oral microbiome can indicate a higher risk of oral pre- malignant disorders.  Dentists have a responsibility to save lives and should prioritise proper examination and screening for oral cancer.  Misdiagnosis or non-diagnosis of oral cancer can have devastating consequences for dentists and their patients.  Governments should consider subsidising or mandating oral cancer screening to prevent hospitalisations and improve patient outcomes. Sound Bites  From year 2011 onwards, I'm in USA and working with my son as a director in his clinic.  Early diagnosis of oral cancer is a must. And it should be part of dental curriculum as well as dental practitioners. You have to use biomarkers. And that's why I always say that chemistry comes first, then comes physics. At least point of care diagnostic test needs to be carried out. Then and then only we will able to control oral cancer, not otherwise. It;s not like a COVID test where you'r either positive or negative off you go. It's that sliding scale. If you want to call yourself doctor, you have to learn to save life. Otherwise, remove doctor from your name.