M34: Head and neck cancer risk: ask about tobacco and alcohol, the other risks and the symptoms, look in the mouth, then advise, assist and follow up

One head and neck cancer risk check at a routine dental visit, built on the National Cancer Institute fact sheet and the AHRQ 5 A's: ask about and record tobacco use at every visit and ask about alcohol (the two most important risk factors, worse together), ask about the other risks (HPV type 16 for the tonsils and base of the tongue, paan, radiation to the head and neck), ask about the symptoms (a neck lump, a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, trouble swallowing, a change in the voice), look in the mouth for a white or red patch, swelling or bleeding, and then, for a tobacco user, urge them clearly to quit, ask whether they are willing to try now, help the one who is, and schedule follow-up within the first week after the quit date.