Oral Cancer Screening in Grove City, Dublin & Gahanna, Ohio
Early Detection Saves Lives
At daily DENTAL & bracesbar, we incorporate oral cancer screenings into routine dental exams as part of our commitment to preventive care. Approximately 53,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and one person loses their life to this disease every hour. However, when detected early, survival rates reach 85-90%.
What the Screening Involves
The screening process is quick and non-invasive. Your dentist examines your lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat, and checks for lumps around the neck and jaw. We use VELscope technology to identify abnormalities that may be invisible to the naked eye.
Risk Factors
- Age (25% of new cases occur in those under 55)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Tobacco product use
- Compromised immune system
Discovering something abnormal does not automatically mean cancer. If we detect red or white spots, thickened tissue, or swelling, you may need a follow-up in 10-14 days or a specialist referral for further evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover oral cancer screening?
Most dental insurance plans include oral cancer screening as part of a routine exam, so if your cleaning and checkup are covered, the screening typically is too. Check with your plan or call our Dublin, Gahanna, or Grove City office and we can verify your benefits before your visit.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
Your dentist visually and physically examines your lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat, then feels for lumps around your neck and jaw. We also use VELscope technology, which shines a special light to reveal abnormal tissue that isn't visible to the naked eye. The whole process takes just a few minutes.
How long does an oral cancer screening take?
The screening itself adds only a few minutes to your regular dental exam — it's built into your routine checkup at daily DENTAL & bracesbar, so there's no separate appointment needed.
I don't smoke — do I still need an oral cancer screening?
Yes. While tobacco use is a known risk factor, oral cancer also affects people due to HPV, excessive alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure, a compromised immune system, and age — 25% of new cases occur in people under 55. Everyone benefits from regular screening, regardless of smoking history.
What happens if something abnormal is found during my screening?
Finding something unusual doesn't automatically mean cancer. If your dentist spots red or white spots, thickened tissue, or swelling, you'll either be asked to return in 10–14 days to see if it resolves on its own or referred to a specialist for further evaluation. Early detection is the goal — when caught early, survival rates reach 85–90%.
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