What Makes The Cotten Method™ of Oral Cancer Screening Different?

The Cotten Method™ of Screening is a comprehensive, four-pillar approach that goes beyond “going through the motions” of oral cancer screening. Rooted in science, it equips dental professionals with a deep understanding of cancer causes, expanded risk factors, and early signs and symptoms — plus advanced, detail-rich EOIO techniques. With ready-to-use patient and team communication tools, coding guidance, and the compassion of the Aloha spirit, The Cotten Method™ builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence to elevate early detection, protect patients, and reduce professional liability.

What Makes The Cotten Method™ Stand Out

The Cotten Method™ of Screening for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer is more than a “how-to” for hands-on screening — it’s a comprehensive, science-based system that empowers dental professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to save lives.

Unlike other approaches that focus primarily on the mechanical steps of screening, The Cotten Method™ is built on Four Science-Based Pillars:

1. Solid Knowledge of Etiologies
   A deep understanding of all known causes of oral and oropharyngeal cancer — including, but not limited to, HPV — so screenings are informed by the why, not just the how.
2. Expanded Risk Factor Awareness
   Insight into risk factors beyond tobacco, alcohol, and HPV, enabling clinicians to better evaluate each patient’s individual risk profile.
3. Recognition of Early Signs and Symptoms
   Training to identify subtle symptoms that may appear before a visible lesion, allowing for earlier referrals and intervention.
4. Comprehensive EOIO (Extraoral & Intraoral) Screening Mastery
   A detailed, step-by-step approach that goes beyond “checking the boxes” — from precise thyroid location and palpation to advanced evaluation of the oropharynx, tongue, and floor of mouth. Includes strategies for screening “difficult” patients, understanding tonsil grading, and best practices for patient positioning and documentation.

How It’s Different

• Depth of Knowledge + Clinical Skill
  Most training covers what to do. The Cotten Method™ integrates why it matters, creating a stronger clinical foundation — just as a dental professional must understand tooth morphology before scaling.
• Refined Techniques from Clinical Collaboration
  Developed through years of collaboration with a head and neck oncology surgeon, incorporating real-world, high-level clinical insights.
• Patient & Team Communication Tools
  Ready-to-use verbiage for:
• Explaining a comprehensive screening to patients who have never experienced one.
• Professionally addressing disagreements about referring suspicious findings.
• Helping dentists and hygienists align on consistent screening standards.
• Risk Management & Coding Updates
  Guidance on proper documentation, insurance coding, and the liability implications of incomplete screenings.
• Screen with Aloha
  Grounded in compassion, connection, and respect, The Cotten Method™ blends clinical excellence with the Aloha spirit — where Aloha means “the presence of breath” and “breath of life.” Every screening is an act of care and humanity.

In short:
Performing a thorough screening is essential — but without the knowledge foundation, patient communication skills, and refined clinical techniques taught in The Cotten Method™, you’re missing the opportunity to elevate early detection, patient trust, and professional confidence to their highest level.

Enroll in The Cotten Method™ Online Certificate Course HERE