ADA News

ADA Completes First Living Guideline on Oral Cancer

Oct 6, 2026
The ADA has completed its first living guideline on oral cancer, providing evidence-based recommendations to help clinicians identify oral potentially malignant disorders and determine when prompt biopsy or referral is needed.

The four-part guideline reinforces the importance of clinical oral examinations and affirms biopsy as the definitive method for diagnosis. Each part of the guideline explores an adjunctive test – cytology, vital staining, light-based, and salivary – and provides recommendations on timely intervention for persistent or progressive lesions.

The guideline will be updated as new evidence emerges. Access the full interactive guideline at ADA.org/oralcancerguideline.