Oral cancer remains a significant global health burden, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounting for approximately 90% of all oral malignancies. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates and reducing treatment-related morbidity. Oral cytology has emerged as a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for screening oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and detecting early-stage oral cancer. Recent advancements in cytological techniques, including liquid-based cytology, computer-assisted image analysis, molecular cytology, biomarker assessment, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostics, have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability. This review explores contemporary developments in oral cytology and evaluates their role in cancer screening and early detection. The study highlights the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of oral cytological methods in oral cancer prevention programs. Findings indicate that modern cytological approaches, when integrated with molecular diagnostics and AI technologies, have the potential to transform oral cancer screening by enabling rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis.