General Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screenings
Two minutes that can change everything.
25,000+ patients served across our 3 offices
The Anthem approach
Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early, which is why a screening is quietly built into every comprehensive exam at Anthem Dental. We examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat for anything that doesn't belong.
It takes about two minutes, costs nothing extra, and it's one of the most important things we do.
If we notice anything worth a closer look — a sore that hasn't healed, an unusual patch, or a lump — we document it, may monitor it over a short interval, and coordinate a referral to a specialist for further evaluation when it's warranted. Most findings turn out to be nothing serious, but the screening exists precisely so nothing gets missed.
- Included with every comprehensive exam
- Comfortable and non-invasive
- Early detection dramatically improves outcomes
- Referral coordination if anything needs a closer look
Good to know
OfficeAvailable at all 3 offices
InsuranceIn-network with the major PPOs. Medi-Cal Dental & IEHP also accepted. Details
FinancingCareCredit & Sunbit — payments that fit your budget
New patients$125 exam & X-rays without insurance
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
Visual and tactile examination of all soft tissues
Review of risk factors and any symptoms
Documentation and monitoring of anything notable
Fast referral pathway when warranted
FAQ
Oral Cancer Screenings — your questions, answered.
Who should be screened for oral cancer?
Every adult, every year — it's built into your routine exams here. Tobacco or heavy alcohol use, HPV, and significant sun exposure raise risk and warrant extra vigilance.
What are warning signs I should watch for?
A sore that doesn't heal within two weeks, red or white patches, unexplained lumps, numbness, or persistent difficulty swallowing. If in doubt, come in — it's a quick check.
Does the screening hurt?
No. It's a careful visual and gentle physical exam of your mouth and throat, done in minutes during your regular visit.
What happens if you find something unusual?
We document exactly what we saw, and depending on how it looks we may simply monitor it at a short follow-up or refer you promptly to a specialist for further evaluation. Most findings aren't serious, but we'd rather check than assume.
Is a separate appointment needed for a screening?
No — it's included automatically as part of every comprehensive exam at no extra cost. There's no need to schedule it separately or ask for it specifically.
Am I still at risk if I don't smoke or drink?
Non-smokers can still develop oral cancer, particularly HPV-related cases, which is part of why we screen every adult patient at every exam rather than only those with obvious risk factors.
New to Anthem Dental?
What to expect before you book
If you have not been to one of our offices before, what happens at a first visit walks through the whole appointment step by step — what we look at, what it costs, and what we will never do without telling you first. Walk-ins are welcome at every office, though calling ahead means less waiting.
Oral Cancer Screenings is performed in-house, so nothing here is referred out to a stranger across town. Meet the team who would be treating you, and read how the practice works if you want the fuller picture. We are in-network with the major PPO plans and also accept Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) and IEHP — see the full list and what it means for your bill.
Choose whichever office is easiest for you: all 3 are here, each with its own hours, parking and directions.
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Ask us about oral cancer screenings — no pressure, ever.
Comprehensive exam and full digital X-rays for new patients without insurance. New patients only. Dental emergencies welcome — we do our best to see you quickly.