Contemporary research is beginning to unpack commonalities across etiologies and risk factors between the human and canine communities for various pathologic oral lesions. Despite these commonalities, unique challenges in breeding, lifestyle experiences, diet, and environmental exposures have greatly impacted the incidence of oral cancerous lesions in “man’s best friend.” Moreover, widespread lack of owner education about the importance of oral cancer screenings often leads to a late diagnosis for the canine species. As cancerous fatalities for canines continue to accelerate, it is increasingly imperative that a deeper focus on assessments and diagnostics is developed as a critical means of controlling prognosis and subsequent treatment outcomes. This article discusses the current process of care for identifying and managing canine oral cancers.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Describe common etiologies and risk factors associated with cancerous oral tumors in the canine population
- Identify common signs, symptoms, and key indicators of canine oral cancers
- Explore assessment and diagnostic parameters including imaging and biopsy instruments utilized to identify oral cancers in canines
- Evaluate appropriate treatment and palliative care options for canines diagnosed with oral cancers
About the Author
Katrina M. Sanders, MEd, BSDH, RDH, RF, is a clinical dental hygienist, author, and international speaker. She is a periodontal hygienist and serves as the clinical liaison to Hygiene Excellence and Innovation for AZPerio. Known as the “Dental Resultant,” Katrina consults hygiene departments to optimize metrics and patient excellence. She is the founder, CEO, and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory, a published author with Dentaltown and Today’s RDH, a columnist and advisory board member for Modern Hygienist and Dental Academy of Continuing Education, and brand ambassador for Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.
Quick Access Code: 22346
Photo credit: 312533492 © Andrii Zorii | Dreamstime.com
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: April 2025
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lw*******@en*********.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 3-5933-22346. Expires March 31, 2028. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2022 to 10/31/2024.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 130
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPNW (January 1, 2022–December 31, 2024). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code: AADHEBM-308-4-2025-3
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
