Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer Screening
in Tsawwassen

At Tsawwassen Family Dental, oral cancer screening is part of your routine exam to identify unusual changes in the mouth as early as possible.

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a simple visual and physical examination during which our dentist looks for unusual changes in the tissues of your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. Painless and non-invasive.
5,000

approximately each year in Canada

Why Early Detection Matters

In Canada, approximately 5,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Oral cancer can develop quietly and may not cause pain in its early stages. Detecting changes early can lead to better outcomes and increase the chances of successful care.

Who Is at Risk?

Regular screenings are especially important for patients with known risk factors or a history of oral health concerns:

Warning Signs to Watch For

Although many oral changes are harmless and temporary, some symptoms are worth an evaluation. If you notice unusual changes in your mouth that do not improve within two weeks, it’s better to schedule an examination.
Warning Sign To Watch For What To Do
A mouth sore that hasn't healed for more than 2 weeks Schedule a dental exam promptly
A lump, thickening, or white/red patch inside the mouth Have it professionally evaluated
Persistent sore throat or hoarseness Seek professional evaluation if symptoms continue
Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw Book an examination as soon as possible
Numbness or unexplained mouth bleeding Contact your dentist immediately for evaluation

What to Expect During Your Screening in Delta

Here’s what your visit for an oral cancer screening at Tsawwassen Family Dental includes:

We first make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed in the dental chair.

Our dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and throat. They also feel around the jaw and neck area to check for swelling or unusual lumps.

If any suspicious area is identified, our team will explain the findings clearly and arrange an urgent referral to an oral surgeon or specialist.

How Often Should
You Be Screened?

For most patients, we recommend oral cancer screening every 6 months.
However, patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent monitoring.
Our team determines the frequency of your oral cancer screening after your visit.

Cost & CDCP Coverage

Most dental insurance plans, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), cover the cost of this exam. Tsawwassen Family Dental accepts most public and private insurance plans, including Manulife, Green Shield Canada, Sun Life, and Pacific Blue Cross, with direct billing.

Why Choose Tsawwassen Family Dental
in Delta & Tsawwassen

Our patients usually choose us because of:

Experience & Credentials

Our dentists provide
comprehensive family dental care with a strong focus on patient comfort, preventive dentistry, and modern restorative treatment.
Dr. Sunny Panesar

Dr. Sunny Panesar

is a Trinity College Dublin graduate who provides comprehensive general and family dentistry, including preventive care and emergency dentistry, along with dental implants, Invisalign, crowns, and veneers.

Dr. Jesse Panesar

Dr. Jesse Panesar

completed his dental education at University College Cork in Ireland after earning his Bachelor of Science degree from UBC.

Dr. Sandeep Dhaliwal

Dr. Sandeep Dhaliwal

is a passionate general dentist focused on comfortable, patient centred care, dedicated to making every patient feel welcomed and confident.

Serving Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner & South Delta

Tsawwassen Family Dental offers high-quality dental care to patients from Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner, Boundary Bay, and surrounding South Delta communities. Our clinic is located at:
Our office is situated in central Tsawwassen near local shops and major neighbourhood routes. Patients visiting from Ladner, Boundary Bay, and other nearby areas can reach the clinic by car or local transit routes. Our location offers nearby parking and accessible entry for patients with mobility needs.

Book Your Oral Cancer Screening

If it has been a while since your last dental exam, or if you have noticed unusual changes in your mouth, contact Tsawwassen Family Dental today to schedule your oral cancer screening appointment in Delta & Tsawwassen, BC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. Oral cancer screenings are completely painless and non-invasive. The exam usually involves a visual inspection and a physical examination of the mouth and surrounding tissues.
Most oral cancer screenings only take a few minutes and are completed during your regular dental exam appointment.
Yes. Oral cancer screening is included as part of a routine dental examination, which is covered by CDCP and most dental insurance plans. Our clinic provides direct billing, too.