ADA seeks feedback on recommendations for using salivary tests in oral cancer detection

Public comment ends May 1

The ADA Living Guideline Program is accepting comments through May 1 on the fourth installment in a series of evidence-informed recommendations for the early detection of oral cancer.

The latest set of recommendations addresses the use of salivary tests to determine the need for biopsy. The program previously sought feedback on recommendations related to cytology, vital staining and light-based adjuncts.

The ADA invites dentists, other health care professionals, patients, organizations and additional stakeholders to share their expertise and insights to help shape the upcoming recommendations.

Comments can be submitted through ADA.org/guidelinecomments by May 1. To take part, download and review the draft recommendations, register for an optional virtual listening session at 4:30 p.m. CDT April 28, and submit comments and feedback via the online form prior to the deadline. Attendance at the listening session is not required to provide feedback.

These new recommendations are part of the ADA’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine to update a 2017 clinical practice guideline on the evaluation of potentially malignant disorders, including oral cancer.

Established in 2025, the ADA Living Guideline Program seeks to provide oral health care providers and patients with more frequent evidence-informed recommendations to advance oral and overall health. The program upholds the methodological rigor of traditional guidelines, but living guidelines are continually updated as new evidence becomes available.

The ADA will review and incorporate feedback from the public comment period into the final recommendations on salivary tests, which will be published this year.