Episode 676 · June 12, 2025

The Hidden Dangers of Leukoplakia: What Every Dentist Should Know

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Featured Guest

Dr. Ashley Clark

Dr. Ashley Clark

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Dr. Ashley Clark is an Associate Professor and Division Chief of Oral Pathology at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. She earned a DDS from Indiana University and a certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from The University of Florida. Dr. Clark has previously worked at West Virginia University (WVU) and University of Texas at Houston School of Dentistry (UTSD). At WVU, she was the oral pathology laboratory director and was nominated for the Early Career Innovator Award. At UTSD, she earned the John H. Freeman Award for Faculty Teaching and the Dean's Excellence Award in the Scholarship of Teaching; she also earned a Fellowship in Health Education during her time at UTSD. Dr. Clark has published over 40 papers and abstracts, authored the oral pathology sections of both Dental Decks and Dental Hygiene Decks (2014 editions), and is on the Professional Board for Digital Dental Notes. She is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, serves on the Commission on Dental Accreditation review board for oral and maxillofacial pathology programs, and is on the Advisory Board for Oral Cancer Cause. Her biopsy service offers free biopsy kits; please contact opath@lsv.uky.edu or call 859-323-6333.

Episode Summary

The white patch looks like the typical leukoplakia. The patient has no history of heavy smoking or drinking so the question is, what should you do as this patient's general dentist. What risk does the patient face by not referring the patient to an oral surgeon or periodontist for a second opinion and/or a biopsy? Should you just do the biopsy yourself? To tell us about leukoplakia and what we should be doing as GPs is our guest Dr. Ashley Clark. Dr. Clark is a dentist and Board-Certified Oral Pathologist currently serving as the Vice President of CAMP Laboratory. She is on the Professional Board for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes. Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 100 continuing education courses, and has authored more than 40 publications and book chapters. She can be reached at aclark@camplaboratory.com.

Keywords

dentaldentistViva Learning OriginalsOral Medicine

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