• orthodontics
• whitening
• bite splint therapy
• oral cancer screening
• dental implants
• periodontal disease
• preventive dentistry
• pit & fissure sealants
• radiographs (x-rays)
• wisdom teeth

oral cancer screening

All dentists in the UK are trained to routinely examine their patients above the neck and advise of any concern about possible changes in any tissue.

However, there is an increasing awareness of the value of a dedicated protocol whereby the process of examination for oral cancer is separated from the humdrum of day to day dentistry, and takes place as a dedicated and focused exercise, with appropriate follow up as necessary.

We welcome the opportunity to offer you this service.

What is involved?

If you were to visit us for Cancer Screening, your appointment would involve a number of procedures, usually as follows:

• External X-ray (Panoramic type) - this all the bones of the jaws and some facial structures to be comprehensively examined
• Other external X-rays: side-on and front/back views may also be indicated, but only usually as secondary requirement
• Case history including review of lifestyle factors e.g. smoking, alcohol, culture
• Clinical examination of all soft tissues above the neck externally
• Clinical examination of all soft tissues internally
• Use of slide photography of any areas of concern
• Use of special stain to review areas of the mouth
• Mapping of oral condition

Follow up procedure

In the event of any concern about a lesion in the mouth, we would review you and test again two weeks after the first visit.

If the indications are still present, then an urgent referral to a Maxillo-Facial Oral Surgeon would take place, initially by telephone, with follow up correspondence to your GP and the hospital as indicated.

Who keeps the evidence of the cancer screening?

You will be able to take away the X- ray films, a copy of the mapping of your mouth, any slides we have taken, and a copy of the examination form. Although we will retain copies, you will then be able to present these to another practitioner at any subsequent review.

How often should I be checked?

Subsequent Oral cancer reviews may take place as part of your ongoing dental care which may be six monthly. You may wish to learn how to self-examine. If you smoke or drink, we would suggest a dental visit once per year as a minimum. There is, however, currently no recommended recall protocol.

Please - sleep well.

It should be noted that Primary Oral Cancer is rare. With early diagnosis, it is usually treatable and subject to review over many years. It is very rarely life threatening.

Fees

The fee for your Oral Cancer Screening Programme will be £195.00

This includes all radiographs, slide film processing, and time spent in examining and/or follow up care. The fee will cover a second review, and all time and correspondence up to the first specialist referral visit.

The fee is due for review 1st July 2002