Tammy K. Swecker, BSDH, MEd, is an associate professor in the dental hygiene program at VCU School of Dentistry, where she serves as senior clinical coordinator and teaches nutrition. She also holds a Nutrition Specialist Certificate. Swecker's expertise lies in treating medically compromised patients in a hospital setting.
Dental hygienists play a unique role in early oral cancer detection by routinely providing examinations and educating patients about self-examination and risk factors.