Venue:
Hilton Garden Inn
1100 South Avenue at Lois Lane
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 477-2400

Featured Clinician:
Parul Dua Makkar, D.D.S., F.A.C.D.
Fellow, American College of Dentists

Synopsis:
Early detection and early treatment are the key to surviving an oral cancer diagnosis. As dental professionals on the front line, diligence in screening during examination is crucial for early detection and diagnosis. In this essential course, we will identify patient risk factors, explore the statistics and discuss the importance and effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. Together, we will delve into the basic screening examination and documentation protocols, as well as illuminate signs, symptoms and enhanced early detection tools. We will explore staging and treatment options, giving emphasis to skills for communicating results and referral protocols. 

This topic is important to Dr. Parul Dua Makkar on a professional and personal level. Her younger and only brother, Dr. Manu Dua, lost his life to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue). Manu was also a dentist, age 33, at the time of his diagnosis and he was 34 at the time of his death. Due to circumstances beyond her control, Dr. Dua Makkar could not save her brother from this diagnosis and fate. However, implementing these protocols can make a difference in your patients’ lives. Upon successful completion of this course, attendees will be able to: 

• Identify oral cancer and its risks.
• Perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings and know when and how to refer suspicious lesions for biopsy or specialist care.
• Understand the evolving epidemiology of oral cancer, including the rise of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers and other systemic risk factors. 

MCEU - 3 HOURS

Tuition:
Buy more, SAVE more*! Sign up for any TWO SDDS courses in 2026 and get ONE course of equal or lesser value for free (excluding CPR and hands-on courses)! To redeem this offer, complete a course registration form and mail or fax to SDDS Headquarters. SDDS staff will register you for the courses of your choosing and apply the discount!

*This offer is for SDDS members only.

Refund and Cancellation Policy:
All requests for refunds or credits must be made in writing or by phone and received at least two weeks prior to the course date. A full refund, less a ten dollar ($10.00) administrative charge, or if requested and available, credit for a similarly priced course will be issued. Refunds or credits requested after this date will not be granted, including requests made based on absence due to illness, late arrival for courses and/or weather conditions. In the event that a course is cancelled by Second District, paid tuition will be fully refunded.

PARUL D. MAKKAR, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. is a practicing general dentist, speaker and passionate advocate for oral cancer awareness. Based in Long Island, New York, she owns PDM Family Dental and brings nearly two decades of clinical experience to her work. Following the tragic loss of her younger brother, Dr. Manu Dua—a fellow dentist—to oral cancer at the age of 34, Dr. Makkar has dedicated her efforts to educating dental professionals on the critical importance of early detection, comprehensive oral exams and compassionate patient communication. Through her platform, Dua Good Job, she empowers providers to not only save lives but support patients through every stage of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Dr. Makkar has spoken at national conferences and authored publications addressing both clinical care and the emotional weight healthcare providers often carry.  

Second District Dental Society is a recognized sponsor by the N.Y.S. Education Department, ADA CERP and the AGD.