 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Absolutely!!!
Not all dentists do continuing education like doctors. Thats why many who have gone thru dental school where they only briefly touched on diseases of the mouth tissue. Dentists primarily look at teeth and ignore everything else. Only in recent years (much thanks to OCF's efforts) has attention been paid to even do an OC screening. I dont mean to sound negative about dentists Ive just seen far too many patients come to OCF because their dentist never noticed something in their mouths for years and now its Stage IV. This is why I am cautious about telling OCF members to see their dentist. Please dont overthink what I just said and dont put yourself into that category!!!! You are aware of the spot and have paid close attention to any changes which makes you a strong advocate for yourself. Im still hoping what you have going on is nothing serious and will somehow resolve itself.
Good luck!!!!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
