Aim Submandibular gland (SMG) excision is traditionally performed during level Ib neck dissection for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Increasing histopathological data suggest that true gland involvement is uncommon. This scoping review evaluates the oncological safety of SMG‑preserving neck dissection in OSCC. Methodology A PRISMA‑guided scoping review was conducted. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched in December 2025 using MeSH terms and free‑text keywords related to OSCC, SMG involvement, and neck dissection. Study selection was independently performed by multiple reviewers. Eligible studies assessed histopathological SMG involvement. Results Forty‑one studies were included from 370 screened records, comprising 8,202 patients and 8,659 submandibular glands. The pooled rate of SMG involvement was 1.68%, while true intraglandular metastasis occurred in only 0.05% of cases. Gland involvement was mainly due to direct tumour extension and was most frequently associated with tumours of the floor of the mouth and oral tongue. Conclusion Routine SMG resection during neck dissection for OSCC appears unnecessary in the absence of direct tumour invasion or level Ib nodal disease. SMG‑sparing neck dissection is oncologically safe in selected patients, although caution is advised for high‑risk subsites. References Dundar Y et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019;161:227–234. Yang S et al. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019;77:1000–1008.