Does a dental clinic screen for oral cancer?

Yes, a first-line oral cancer screening can be done at a dental clinic. We examine the lining of the mouth, the tongue, and the palate visually and palpate for lumps. It can be done at the same time as a regular check-up or scaling, so tell us if there is an area you are concerned about. If we find a suspicious sign - an ulcer that has not healed in 2 to 3 weeks, a white or red patch, or a lump that keeps growing - we refer you to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a university hospital where a biopsy is possible. If you smoke or drink and are over 40, we particularly recommend having the oral mucosa examined at the check-up you have every 6 months.