TODS FEATURED SPEAKER
OKANAGAN-VINTAGE SPECIALISTS’ POTPOURRI
DR. JUSTIN KIERCE, CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Session Title: IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF POTENTIALLY PREMALIGNANT LESIONS OF THE ORAL CAVITY
Session Date: Saturday October 26, 2024
Session Time: 9:20 AM – 10:00 AM
Presenter Name: Dr. Justin Kierce
Outline:
The identification and management of potentially premalignant lesions of the oral cavity can sometimes be confusing for practitioners. Appropriate recognition and management of these lesions has the potential to significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with cases that undergo malignant transformation.
This presentation will review the following:
- Clinical appearance of potentially premalignant lesions, including examples of incorrect diagnosis
- The malignant transformation rate of oral epithelial dysplasia and risk factors for transformation
- A protocol for management of these lesions and the importance of close surveillance
This includes an overview of research conducted at a Canadian tertiary-care center which will be relevant to practitioners in the area. A retrospective chart review was performed assessing risks factors for malignant transformation of oral epithelial dysplasia, as well as cancer staging for transformed cases. Two-hundred-four patients were diagnosed with oral epithelial dysplasia and 16.7% underwent malignant transformation. In addition to commonly cited risk factors, immunosuppression, including immunosuppressive medications (such as corticosteroids) were identified as a risk factor. This presentation will aid the practitioner in appropriate diagnosis of premalignant lesions and help in understanding a framework for appropriate management.
About The Speaker
Dr. Justin Kierce is in an oral & maxillofacial surgeon who works in private practice at Okanagan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in both Kelowna and Vernon. He is also on staff at Kelowna General Hospital. He is a fellow of the Royal Collage of Dentists of Canada and The American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery.
Justin grew up in Kelowna and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus in 2013. Justin completed dental school in 2017 at the University of Alberta, and this was followed by a surgical internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He then moved to Ontario to complete his speciality training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Toronto. During this time, he also received a Master of Science degree for his research studying precancerous lesions of the mouth.
Justin has interest and expertise in corrective jaw surgery, TMJ surgery, management of pathology, facial trauma, anesthesia, and dentoalveolar surgery, including bone grafting and the placement of dental implants. He also has extensive experience in digital planning and 3D printing to facilitate surgical procedures and produce excellent esthetic and functional outcomes. Justin has published numerous journal articles and textbook chapters and has lectured internationally on his research.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid mountain biker.
