Oral Cancer Screening in Ottawa
A quick, painless screening at your regular checkup — because oral cancer is far more treatable when it is found early.
Oral cancer can develop on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the floor or roof of the mouth, and the throat, and early changes are often painless and easy to miss. That is why we screen for it at your exams — a visual and gentle hands-on check of your mouth, face and neck that takes just a few minutes.
We look for red or white patches, lumps, rough spots and sores that do not heal. Risk is higher for people who smoke or chew tobacco, drink alcohol heavily or have had an HPV infection, but oral cancer can affect anyone — so screening is worthwhile for every adult.
Screening is part of the exams covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients. If we see anything that needs a closer look, we explain it clearly and arrange the right follow-up or referral.
What's included
- Visual check of lips, tongue, cheeks and gums
- Gentle exam of the jaw, face and neck
- Review of your risk factors
- Monitoring of any areas of concern
- Referral for further assessment if needed
- Included with comprehensive and recall exams
What to expect
- 1
Risk review
We ask about tobacco, alcohol and any changes you have noticed.
- 2
Visual check
A careful look at your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and throat.
- 3
Hands-on check
A gentle feel of your jaw, face and neck for lumps or swelling.
- 4
Follow-up
If anything needs a closer look, we explain it and arrange next steps.
Part of our Preventive & Family Dentistry services · Last updated November 2026
Oral Cancer Screening — common questions
Still have questions? Our coordinators answer the phone every weekday — really.
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Does oral cancer screening hurt?
How often should I be screened?
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