Pioneering Oral Cancer Detection with Dental Hygiene Faculty at SJVC Ontario

At San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), innovation and dedication to advancing dental health are at the forefront of our Dental Hygiene program. As part of that, we are proud to highlight the incredible contributions of Cherie Wink, a Dental Hygiene instructor at our Ontario campus, and Jerica Block, the program’s Director. Their work on developing a commercial intraoral camera, in collaboration with Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith and her team at UC Irvine’s Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, stands as a testament to the power of technology in transforming healthcare.

A Personal Mission and Professional Dedication

Cherie’s journey in dental hygiene spans over 25 years, with a particular passion for Oral Pathology. Her commitment deepened after a personal tragedy—losing her younger sister to oral cancer at the age of 27. This life-changing event ignited a mission in Cherie to spread awareness and improve early detection of oral cancers. Her experience and dedication have made her an invaluable asset to the intraoral camera project.

The intraoral camera, developed by Dr. Wilder-Smith and her team, marks a significant advancement in the early detection of oral cancers. The current method for detection, relying on visual inspection and manual palpation, often misses early signs of the disease. This innovative camera, enhanced by artificial intelligence, promises to increase detection accuracy from 40-60% to an astounding 87-93%. Cherie emphasizes that this technology eliminates the guesswork in interpreting clinical findings, leading to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

A Collaborative Effort

Jerica, the Dental Hygiene Program Director at SJVC in Ontario, also played a crucial role in facilitating this groundbreaking project. Her enthusiasm for technological advancement, and dedication to improving patient care, have been instrumental in providing opportunities for both students and faculty.

The Future of Dental Hygiene and Patient Care

The potential impact of this intraoral camera on dental hygiene practice is profound. As Cherie notes, this device can standardize the process of detecting potentially malignant lesions, ensuring that every suspicious area is thoroughly examined. This could lead to routine, efficient screenings in dental offices, increasing the chances of early detection and improving survival rates for oral cancer patients.

Looking ahead, Cherie plans to continue her advocacy work, using this technology at public health fairs and oral cancer walks to provide screenings at no cost. Her involvement in this project may be coming to an end, but her passion for pathology and improving healthcare remains steadfast. She hopes to explore new projects that address common issues in dental hygiene, such as musculoskeletal disorders, which are prevalent among professionals due to repetitive motions.

Inspiring Others to Make a Difference

Cherie’s advice to dental professionals and healthcare workers is simple yet profound: “The intra-oral exam is an opportunity to save a life, literally. It should never be skipped and performed at each and every visit.” She encourages professionals to network, engage in research, and never hesitate to contribute to projects that can lead to better patient outcomes.

At SJVC, we are incredibly proud of the work being done by Cherie, Jerica, and all their collaborators. Their dedication not only advances the field of dental hygiene but also has the potential to save countless lives. We look forward to the commercialization of the intraoral camera and the positive changes it will bring to patient care.

For more information on the intraoral camera, check out this corresponding article on Medical Xpress.

For more information on SJVC’s Dental Hygiene program, and the innovative projects our faculty and students are involved in, please visit the SJVC blog and SJVC in Ontario webpage.