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Oral Cancer Screening — Early Detection Saves Lives

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. We include a thorough screening in every comprehensive exam — no extra appointment needed.

4.9

200+ Google Reviews | Open Saturdays | Emergency Walk-Ins Welcome

Oral Cancer Often Shows No Symptoms Until It's Advanced

Oral cancer often develops with no pain and no visible symptoms in its early stages. By the time most people notice something unusual, the disease has already progressed.

 

Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV, and even sun exposure are risk factors — but oral cancer can develop in patients with none of these.

What Oral Cancer Screening Is

What Oral Cancer Screening Is

A dental exam and cleaning is a two-part preventive visit. The exam catches issues early. The cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home cannot reach.

Comprehensive Oral Exam

Every tooth, gum tissue, bite alignment, and jaw evaluated — plus a visual oral cancer screening.

Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays

Targeted images reveal what's between and beneath the teeth, catching cavities before they become root canals.

Professional Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Our hygienist removes hardened tartar and polishes your teeth to a smooth, fresh finish home care cannot replicate.

Personalised Oral Health Guidance

Practical, specific advice based on what we actually find — not generic handouts.

How Oral Cancer Screening Works

[ 01 ]

Included in Your Regular Exam

Oral cancer screening is part of every comprehensive exam at Richmond Dental Care — no separate appointment needed.

[ 02 ]

Visual Soft Tissue Exam

Your dentist examines all soft tissue areas inside the mouth for colour changes, lesions, or unusual textures.

[ 03 ]

Physical Examination

We feel the lymph nodes and jaw for any unusual swelling or firmness.

[ 04 ]

Documentation & Comparison

Any areas of concern are documented and compared at your next visit to monitor changes over time.

[ 05 ]

Referral if Indicated

If a finding warrants further evaluation, we provide a prompt referral to an oral medicine specialist or oncologist.

We Work With All Major PPO Insurance Plans

We accept most major PPO insurance plans and work closely with you to make the treatments more accessible. Our team will verify your benefits in advance, explain what your plan covers, and guide you through your options so you have a clear understanding of your costs before you begin.

From coverage checks to upfront communication, we focus on making the entire process simple, transparent, and free of surprises.

Cherry Payment Plans — flexible, no-interest financing options available for qualifying patients.

Who Should Be Screened and How Often

All adults should be screened at every routine dental visit. Certain factors increase risk.

Trusted Rate

4.9

200+ Google Reviews | Open Saturdays | Emergency Walk-Ins Welcome

Tobacco or Alcohol Use

Current and former tobacco users and heavy drinkers face significantly elevated oral cancer risk.

HPV Exposure or Sun Exposure

Certain HPV strains are linked to oropharyngeal cancer; prolonged UV exposure raises lip cancer risk.

Adults Over 40

Risk increases with age — annual screening is recommended for all adults over 40, even without other risk factors.

Prior Oral Cancer History

Patients with a previous diagnosis or precancerous lesions require close, regular monitoring at every visit.

Trusted by Patients Who Value Great Care

Our patients consistently share their experiences about the comfort, professionalism, and quality of care they receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oral cancer screening painful?
Not at all. The screening is a visual and physical exam that takes just a few minutes and causes no discomfort.
No. We include oral cancer screening in every routine dental exam at Richmond Dental Care.
Most adults should be screened at every routine dental exam — typically every six months. Higher-risk patients may be monitored more frequently.
We look for white or red patches, sores that do not heal, lumps or thickening of tissue, persistent hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing — any of which may indicate a need for further evaluation.
We document the finding and discuss it with you. Depending on the concern, we may monitor it at your next visit, biopsy it, or refer you to a specialist immediately.
Oral cancer screening is typically included as part of a comprehensive dental exam, which most PPO insurance plans cover. We verify your benefits before your appointment.

Explore Other Ways to Improve Your Smile

Depending on your needs, there may be other treatment options that can help you achieve your desired results.

Ready to Schedule Your Visit?

Our team is here to provide modern, comfortable dental care for you and your family. Book online or call us today.