Dental Services · Oral Cancer

Caught early,
it's highly
treatable.

An oral cancer screening takes only a few painless minutes — and it's one of the most important parts of a routine visit. We look so you can stop worrying.

~5 minutes
Quick & painless
Early = treatable
Survival rises sharply
Every check-up
Built into your visit
Why it matters

Early detection changes everything.

Oral cancer is very treatable when found early — the challenge is that it often starts painlessly.

~5 min
All it takes to screen during a routine exam
survival
Early-stage detection dramatically improves outcomes
Painless
Early signs rarely hurt — which is why screening matters
Know the signs

What we look for.

If any of these last longer than two weeks, have them checked — most turn out to be harmless.

A sore that won't heal

An ulcer or lesion that lingers beyond a couple of weeks.

Red or white patches

Unusual patches on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.

A lump or thickening

Any new lump in the mouth, lip or neck area.

Persistent soreness

Ongoing pain, numbness or tenderness with no clear cause.

Difficulty swallowing

Trouble chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw.

A hoarse voice

Persistent voice changes or a feeling of something caught.

Know your risk

A few quick questions.

This isn't a diagnosis — just a prompt on whether a screening is worth booking.

Your check
0 / 6 flags

Tick anything that applies on the left.

Book a screening
The screening

Quick, gentle, thorough.

01

A quick chat

We review your history and anything you've noticed.

02

Visual & touch exam

We look at and gently feel the mouth, lips, cheeks and neck.

03

Clear next steps

If anything needs a closer look, we explain exactly what happens next.

Good to know

Screening questions.

Not at all. It's a quick visual and gentle physical check of your mouth and neck — no needles, no discomfort, just a few minutes.

At least once a year for most adults, and we include it as part of your routine check-ups. If you use tobacco or alcohol, more often is wise.

Most findings are harmless. If something needs a closer look, we'll explain it clearly and arrange the right next step — early action is exactly the point.

Peace of mind

A few minutes, real reassurance.

Book a visit with Dr. Atwood and we'll include a thorough oral cancer screening — no needles, no fuss.

2478 Patterson Rd, Suite 22, Grand Junction, COMon–Thu · 8 – 4:30