Dentists are often the first line of defense against oral cancer. In many cases, they are the only resource that patients have for early oral cancer detection. An increasing number of patients expect their dentists to check for oral cancer during appointments. That’s a great step forward, since oral and pharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat) collectively kills nearly one person every hour of every day of the year. However, it’s highly treatable if caught early. Here are three ways the nation’s largest independently owned dental distributor is spreading the message with tools that can help your practice.

An illustrated cross-section of the human head featuring a red icon in the mouth area. Text at the top of the image reads "Oral Cancer."

1. Get up to speed—fast—with custom learning tools available 24/7

Check out Benco Dental U, our free online library of easy-to-read articles, concise white papers, entertaining webinars and more for all of these highly informative resources:

  • 15 Questions and Answers About Oral Cancer and How Dentists Can Help in Early Detection HERE
  • 3 Top Myths and Facts about Oral Cancer HERE
  • Hot To Detect Oral Cancer HERE
  • The Fight Against Oral Cancer Starts with You HERE.

2. Put this simple, affordable oral cancer screening device to work in your practice, and give patients more peace of mind

Oral cancer screening device, GOCCLES, with green lenses.

For many patients, the only comprehensive oral exam they regularly receive is from dentists. That’s why it’s important for dental practitioners to understand how the oral cancer landscape is changing, along with patient demographics, various etiologies and survival rates.

One innovative oral cancer screening device, GOCCLES, were awarded a ++++ 1/2 rating in a clinical evaluation by Dental Advisor. When used with dental office curing lights, the optical filters of Pierrel’s award-winning GOCCLES eyewear provide simple, non-invasive and painless early screenings for oral cancer and precancerous lesions.

Shop GOCCLES today →

Most recently, Pierrel introduced the launch of the GOCCLES App, suitable for iOS and Android, in support of its oral cancer screening device. The app:
* uses a library of reference images representing the most common oral lesions,
* provides dental professionals with a guided inspection of the oral cavity, and
* includes online clinical support available from professionals to help identify suspicious lesions in case of uncertainties.

Browse Goccles and discover why they’re an affordable, highly effective way to add real value to every patient experience.

Driving Dentistry Forward podcast guest Dr. A. Ross Kerr in a light suit, blue shirt, and dark blue tie with teeth embroidered on it.
Driving Dentistry Forward podcast guest Dr. A. Ross Kerr



3. Tune into our Driving Dentistry Forward podcast episode featuring oral medicine expert Dr. A. Ross Kerr

Dr. A. Ross Kerr is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Medicine, and the Director of Special Patient Care and Hospital Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry. His research interests include aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) and oral cancer. His clinical practice focuses on the dental management of medically complex patients and the diagnosis and treatment of patients with oral mucosal disease, salivary gland dysfunction and oral-facial pain. Catch it here.

Bonus: Do more for Oral Cancer Awareness Month

every April (or, even better, do it all year long).

  • Host a free oral cancer screening event at your practice this month. Let the media know your plans. Not only is it a great way to give back, it brings new people into your practice for a visit.
  • Offer to host a screening event at a local drugstore and partner with them for help with publicity and marketing.
  • Or, don’t wait until April. Make oral cancer screening part of your everyday treatment protocols.