If you go here, you will see what a good exam is:
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/how_do_you_know.htmlA dentist I went to recently told me he did exams for oral cancer "every time he gets a new patient" but the exam he gave me was not the kind described in the above article. I don't believe all dentists are aware of the type of exam needed. Not all have the specialized equipment but whether they do or not, a biopsy is the only way to tell for sure. Perhaps in asking about percentages, you were hoping that there was more a percentage for it to be wrong (indicating no cancer)? It's difficult to give percentages because of the variables involved like how thorough the exam, whether it included specialized equipment (vizilite?) and the dentist's own experience. One who has had oral cancer I would think, would be more aware. I have a teeth cleaning appointment in March, and you can be sure i am printing out a copy of the above article to bring to my dentist. I may even drop it off ahead of time so he can read it and be ready for me!
