Oral cancer doesn’t get nearly enough attention, even though it affects almost 50,000 Americans each year. The most concerning part? Too many people don’t realize they have it until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment more complex and lowering survival rates. But there’s good news. Detecting it early leads to better outcomes—and that’s where we come in.
You may not realize it, but dentists are your allies in preventing and detecting harmful oral cancer. Oral cancer does not get the publicity other types of cancers do, but it is no less insidious, as it affects the lives of thousands of people in the US every year. Your dentist is specially trained to look for signs of oral cancer and can be essential in detecting it early, while it is most treatable.
When visiting our office for a hygiene appointment, we do more than clean your teeth and inspect for cavities. We also provide an oral cancer screening, which takes only moments to perform but can save not only your oral health but also your life. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer yearly. If diagnosed and treated early, the effects may not be long lasting; however, routine examinations will continue for the rest of your life because the potential for recurrence is high.
Oral Cancer Well, it’s the start of a new year. While you’re scheduling all your annual exams and screenings for the year, don’t forget about your oral health. There is more to good oral health than checking for cavities and getting your teeth cleaned regularly. Make sure you get checked for this condition. What are…
Screening Patients
When our patients update their medical histories, we have been actively screening them to learn about any history of travel or signs of infection like cough, fever or shortness of breath.
Taking Temperatures
Before performing any dental procedures, we have been taking everyone’s temperature. This is our new routine protocol during assessment of all patients.
Washing Hands
All patients and team members are required to perform proper hand hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
At our office, we have a strict policy to only practice dentistry when the right protective equipment is in place. We always wear surgical masks and eye protection. Masks are changed between patients. Rest assured, we are fully stocked in dental supplies.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Throughout the day, we are rigorously cleaning all public areas in our office, including the reception area, bathroom, and operatories. This intensive cleaning includes everything from door handles to chairs.
Proper Social Distancing
You can rest assured that we are practicing proper social distancing in our office. We are actively working to make sure that patients are 6 feet or more away from others. We are encouraging patients to come in at their exact appointment time so that no one is waiting in our office.
