📗 Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide. It is largely related to lifestyle habits. Virtually all oral squamous cell carcinomas are preceded by visible changes in the oral mucosa, termed potentially malignant disorders. Identification of such high risk potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer at a early stage through various diagnostic aids will reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes there by improving the quality of life.This work is a comprehensive description of the diagnostic aids available for the early detection of such high risk lesions.