Highlights ■ Most referral letters lacked essential clinical information. ■ Lesion size and limits were rarely documented in referrals. ■ High-risk oral lesions often had incomplete documentation. ■ Standardized templates may improve early oral cancer detection. ABSTRACT Objective: In the Brazilian public health system, referral letters, issued by general dentists and physicians who perform initial clinical assessments, is the main source of information in arriving at a final diagnosis. However, the consistency and completeness of the referral letters remain poorly […]