I would like to say that the link posted by Anne-Marie above, gives an excellent description of how an oral cancer exam should be done. It is an excellent idea to get this information to your dentist and if he/she still doesn't perform an exam that meets with this description in that article, it's time to find another dentist.

Gary, although the cost of a VELscope light is $5,000, it is a small price to pay for adding an extra level of confidence to doing a thorough clinical exam. And the fact that it could help save someone's life, makes it even more important. Perhaps some may consider it a fortune, but as I have told many of my colleagues, I didn't purchase it to make money, but to provide a potential life saving service. However, that being said, even charging a minimal amount to cover the cost of the light and disposable supplies, I have more than recouped my investment. Whether our patients choose to have a VELscope exam or not once a year (about 98% do), they still have a clinical and palpation exam done every 6 months and there is no charge for that exam.

Brian's link to the article on HPV is also an excellent article that gives a clear description of what is going on in the research world about HPV and it's connection to oral cancer. I printed it out and will be giving it to the producer from my local CBS affiliate that is coming to my office next Tuesday to do a piece on oral cancer detection and the link between OC and the HPV virus. It will provide her with some excellent background information.

For those interested in a visual description of what they should be having done in the dental office, I would recommend this link http://www.sextetscreening.org/index3.php By the way, this site was started by two OCF members and has some excellent information for dentists, hygienists and patients.

Brian, I would be happy to help out in the "standard of care" statement and although it may be dificult for me to attend a meeting, I would welcome the opportunity to participate by phone or email, if that is possible. Please let me know.

Jerry


Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"