OBJECTIVE The value of supraomohyoid neck dissection used in treating oral squamous cell carcinoma was discussed. METHODS Twenty-seven cN0 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were entered into the study. Supraomohyoid neck dissection was performed to remove the lymphatic tissue of level I, II, and III. The operation duration and shoulder function were recorded. RESULTS The average operation duration was (1.6 +/- 0.2) h. Nineteen percent (5/27) of the cN0 neck were proved positive pathologically which included two cases in level I and four in level II (one case had both level I and II metastases). Shoulder function recovered in three months after operation. All patients were followed up from two years to four years and none of them had local or neck recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Supraomohyoid neck dissection is a right choice for cN0 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma with its advantages in both curing neck lymphatic metastases and preserving neck and shoulder contours and functions.