Marie A. Navickis, RDH, BSDH, MSDHEd, is an associate professor and chair of the dental hygiene program at Rock Valley College, in Rockford, Ill. In addition to teaching, administrative duties, clinical practice, and volunteering,
she is earning a Doctor of Health Science degree through an online program at AT Still University in Mesa, Ariz. Navickis can be reached at: m.navickis@rockvalleycollege.edu.
Oral health professionals are charged with educating their patients about oral cancer risk and detection, as well as ensuring effective screenings are performed at every dental appointment.