Objective To investigate the expression of miR-34c in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effect on the biological behaviors of OSCC cells. Methods MiR-34c was detected in the Chinese hamster oral cancer tissue by quantitative real-time PCR. MiR-34c mimics and inhibitor were transfected into Tca8113 cells by Lipofectamine RNAiMAX. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration was determined by a scratch test. Results Compared with the normal group, miRNA-34c expression in the Chinese hamster oral carcinoma group was increased significantly. Upregulation of the miR-34c inhibited the viability of Tca8113 cells ( P <0. 01), but there was no significant change in migration of the Tca8113 cells. Downregulation of miR-34c promoted the viability and migration of Tca8113 cells ( P <0. 05). Conclusions Upregulation of miR-34c effectively suppresses oral cancer cell growth,while non-significantly inhibits the cancer cell migration. Downregulation of miRNA-34c expression promotes proliferation and migration of oral cancer cells.