Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer type in head and neck with approximately 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year worldwide. Advances have been made from cancer risk assessment to treatment. However, the clinical impact of these advances has been modest so far. With an increased understanding of genetic and epigenetic features in oral tumorigenesis, novel biomarkers have emerged and been tested for their potential use in assessing oral cancer risk and OSCC classification. New therapeutic strategies targeting molecules critical for OSCC maintenance and progression have shown promise. This article provides a general picture of the current status in the field of OSCC clinical and translational research for the oral health community. Keywords: oral squamous cell carcinoma, risk assessment, treatment