Mia - Good for you for doing some research and being pro-active about getting the best health care for yourself! You are worth it! I just have two comments:

1) Regarding a referral to an ENT, I don't think you should feel obligated to go to the one your dentist recommends and since he did not recommend one, that's good because sometimes they work together and have the same ways of doing things and you could end up with the same diagnosis. You could ask your family doctor or any other specialist you know to recommend an ENT that specializes in treating Head and Neck Cancer patients. Then see if there is a web site for the particular hospital they are affiliated with and check the website for that doctor's education, research and experience treating Oral Cancer patients.

2) Re: "My dentist said he thought there was no reason to put me through a biopsy" - I don't know what he meant by that, because when my son had his biopsy with an Oral Surgeon, it was no big deal, and done right in his office. Also, the Oral surgeon referred my son to an ENT, and even made an appointment two weeks away, but by the time we got home, I was a basket case of worry, and couldn't bear the thought of waiting TWO weeks! That same day, my ex-daughter-in-law called the ENT for me, pretended to be still married to my son and got the appointment moved up from Friday to the following Monday! It doesn't hurt to ask for stuff. Especially where your health is concerned.