In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with oral pathologist Dr. Bryan Trump to discuss the important role dental professionals play in identifying abnormalities and knowing when to refer patients to a specialist. Dr. Trump shares valuable insight into what clinicians might be missing during routine exams and how to strengthen their confidence when suspicious findings arise.

The conversation dives into practical strategies for performing thorough oral cancer screenings, recognizing key red flags, and navigating patient conversations when something concerning is discovered. Dr. Trump also offers guidance on how clinicians can communicate pathology findings in a clear and compassionate way—helping patients understand the situation without causing unnecessary fear.

This episode provides practical tips for dental hygienists and dentists who want to improve their screening protocols, referral confidence, and patient communication when dealing with potentially serious diagnoses.

What We Talked About:

How to confidently refer patients to specialists

Essential tips for performing effective oral cancer screenings

Recognizing concerning findings and clinical red flags

Navigating difficult conversations about the possibility of cancer

How to communicate pathology findings without unnecessarily scaring patients

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Resources:

Contact Dr. Bryan Trump: bryan.trump@hsc.utah.edu