Your Screening in
4 Simple Steps.
Oral cancer screening is fast, painless, and built directly into your routine exam — no extra appointment, no extra cost, just an extra layer of protection.
Health History
We ask about tobacco and alcohol use, HPV risk factors, and any changes you've noticed in your mouth or throat.
Visual & Tactile Exam
A thorough look and gentle feel of your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, throat, and neck for anything abnormal.
Findings Discussion
We explain what we found in plain language — whether everything looks healthy or something warrants a closer look.
Referral or Monitoring
If needed, we coordinate a biopsy referral immediately, or schedule a short-term recheck to track any area of concern.
Before, During
& After.
Before Your Screening
During Your Screening
After Your Screening
Frequently
Asked Questions.
Everything you need to know about oral cancer screening.
What does an oral cancer screening involve?
It's a quick visual and tactile exam performed as part of your routine dental visit. We check your lips, cheeks, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and your throat for abnormal patches, sores, or lesions, and gently feel your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for lumps or swelling. There's no discomfort and no special equipment required.
How often should I be screened?
We recommend an oral cancer screening at least once a year for most adults, and it's automatically included at your routine exam. If you use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, have a history of HPV, are over 40, or have a family history of oral cancer, we may recommend screening more frequently.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Risk increases significantly with tobacco use (smoked or smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, prolonged sun exposure on the lips, age over 40, and a family or personal history of cancer. That said, oral cancer can occur in people with none of these risk factors, which is why routine screening matters for everyone.
Does the screening hurt?
No. The screening is entirely non-invasive — a visual check combined with gentle feeling of the tissues in your mouth, jaw, and neck. Most patients don't even notice it happening as a separate step from their regular exam.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
Most unusual findings turn out to be harmless — minor irritation, a bite mark, or a benign lesion that resolves on its own. If something looks like it needs a closer look, we'll either monitor it with a short-interval recheck or refer you promptly to an oral surgeon or specialist for a biopsy. Early referral gives you the best possible outcome.
Does insurance cover oral cancer screening?
Yes — oral cancer screening is bundled into your routine dental exam at no additional charge, and exams are covered by most Canadian dental insurance plans. We bill directly so you don't have to manage the paperwork.
Catch It Early,
Protect Your Health.
Oral cancer screening takes just minutes and is included with your routine exam. Book your visit today for complete peace of mind. New patients always welcome.