####Two-Day International Conference on Dental Oncology and Research Begins

Udaipur, The second International Conference on Dental Oncology and Research 2025 commenced today at Pacific Dental College, Debari, Udaipur, under the joint aegis of the Asian Head and Neck Cancer Foundation and Pacific Dental College. The conference was inaugurated by former RNT Principal Dr. A. K. Gupta, Joint Secretary of the Dental Council of India Dr. Abhishek Singh, and Dr. J. S. Balia.

Dr. Gupta described the conference as a revolutionary step in the field of dentistry. He emphasized that in the present scenario, the role of dental surgeons becomes crucial when patients with undiagnosed oral cancer approach them. Identifying and treating such cases poses a significant challenge before dentists.

During the press briefing, Organizing Chairman Dr. Shakti Singh Deora highlighted the alarming situation that oral cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in India. To combat this, the role of dentists in early detection has become vital. Training programs for oral cancer screening are being conducted not only in India but across Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Physicians from these countries are actively participating in the initiative.

He further expressed concern that India is fast turning into the “world capital” of oral cancer, with 30 percent of total cancer cases being oral cancer. He also stated that the conference was being virtually streamed across Asia to facilitate exchange of knowledge and research. Dr. Deora added that medical science knows no boundaries, and even cooperation with Pakistan is possible in this noble cause.

He underlined that with over four lakh dentists in India, if each dentist screens just one patient per day, the figure would exceed one crore screenings in a month. Such a large-scale screening could help doctors and the government in preventing the rise of cancer and saving countless lives.

Organizing Secretary Dr. Mohit Pal Singh stressed that the only effective way to save lives from oral cancer is to train dentists in early detection. He pointed out that many patients avoid necessary biopsies due to fear of the word “cancer,” resulting in delayed diagnosis. By the time such patients reach the hospital in the fourth stage, survival rates drop drastically, with only about five percent managing to survive in 20 percent of such cases.

Dr. Bhagwandas Rai said that doctors always aim to save lives and ensure patients can live normally, eat well, and open their mouths freely. This is possible only if oral cancer is detected in its earliest stages, which has now become easier with advancements in screening and with dentists playing the most critical role.

Co-Chairman Dr. Himanshu Gupta added that dentists are now present in almost every town and village. If they actively engage in screening, oral cancer can be detected early, leading to nearly 100 percent recovery. He also stressed the importance of regular follow-up for oral cancer patients.

The two-day conference has drawn over 200 delegates, researchers, and dental students from across the country. Participants are presenting their scientific papers and posters on recent research and developments in the field of dental oncology.