Objective: The objective of this study is to update scientific knowledge about OPMDs, emphasizing epidemiological data, clinical appearance, symptomatology, differential diagnosis and therapeutic management, as well as highlighting the role of the general dentist in the clinical examination. Material and methods: A literature search was carried out, making use of the keywords “Leukoplakia”, “Erythroplasia”, “Cheilitis”, “Nevus, Pigmented”, “Oral Submucous Fibrosis” and “Lichen Planus”. Prioritizing articles published in the last 5 years on the scientific databases “Medline”, “Pubmed” and “SciELO”. Results: As a result of the search, 165 articles were obtained, which were carefully reviewed to preserve only those that were dedicated to describe, compare or treat lesions with malignant potential, including relevant data such as epidemiology, clinical ...