Yes, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), an oral cancer screening is a routine part of every dental check-up. With the latest research about the association of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancer (base of tongue, back of throat), it’s critical that your neck is palpated and the back of your throat is checked for symmetry. An unmovable lymph node in the neck is often the first and only sign of oropharyngeal cancer.

What a dental professional might say to him/herself:

• I only do teeth and gums.
• I may only see one or two cases in my entire career, so I don’t bother.
• It takes too much time.
• I haven’t performed an oral cancer screening in decades; I’m not comfortable with it.

Dentists in the U.S. are NOT required to take regular continuing education (CE) in early detection of oral cancer. In other words, your dentist, 20 years out of dental school, may not have any current knowledge about oral cancer and it’s early signs or be proficient in performing an oral cancer screening.

The only way to inspire dentists to choose education in oral cancer, is for patients to ask for what they deserve. If enough patients request an oral cancer screening, the dentist and dental hygienists will hopefully want to meet the needs of their patients, providing the best care possible.

Article Link from the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association:
Understanding from a dentists perspective why the patients are not receiving an oral cancer screening.

Make a note of the date you first noticed it. Take a photo of it with your digital camera.
Sores, white spots, and rough areas should heal within a couple of weeks. After two weeks, if it is still present, schedule an appointment with a dentist or an oral surgeon, preferably one with a specialty in Oral Medicine. Find a doctor in your area affiliated with the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

A dentist cannot adequately screen the back of the throat, base of tongue, or tonsillar region. An ENT physician, also known as an otolaryngologist, has the proper tools and mirrors to evaluate these areas.

If a problem doesn’t resolve, the gold standard is an incisional biopsy. The mouth is an area that heals quickly after a biopsy. Peace of mind is invaluable. Dental professionals should recognize and follow the early signs BEFORE they develop into cancer. Early detection is key. Oral cancer is very survivable if caught early.

Be sure the biopsy is read by an oral pathologist and NOT a general pathologist. Find an oral pathologist in your area at American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists.

If the diagnosis is moderate or severe dysplasia or cancer in situ (which means it has NOT invaded surrounding tissue), it should be removed with clear margins. If the diagnosis is mild dysplasia, the biopsy site should be monitored with scrutiny.

When you call an office for your next appointment, ask:

• ‘Do the dental professionals provide oral cancer screenings?’
• ‘Which dental hygienist has the most current education in early detection of oral cancer?’
• ‘In the last two years, has the dentist updated his/her knowledge about oral cancer ?’

Dental practices that carry screening devices have had training on using the device properly as well as additional education about detecting early stage oral cancer.

Read the attached article and decide for yourself. Studies show the most effective oral cancer screening is a visual and tactile exam that includes palpation of the neck. Dental practices that carry screening devices typically have current education about detecting early stage oral cancer. Devices are an addition to a thorough visual and manual screening.

Professional evaluations of the oral cancer screening devices article link from the Oral Cancer Foundation website.

This article explains the connection thoroughly: Oral Cancer Foundation website.
See also: CNN report on HPV