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Oral Cancer Screening in El Dorado, CA
Early detection saves lives — fast, painless screenings during your regular checkup.
At Diamond Springs Dental Center, we include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental exam. This simple, non-invasive screening helps identify abnormalities in the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues — often before symptoms are noticeable.
We proudly serve patients throughout El Dorado, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Diamond Springs, Cameron Park, and Shingle Springs — and we accept Medi-Cal for covered preventive services.
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Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages and can go unnoticed without regular checkups. Early detection significantly increases treatment success rates and survival outcomes.
During your screening, we check for:
- Sores or lesions that don’t heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps, thickened tissue, or rough spots
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness
- Changes in bite or jaw alignment
This quick, proactive step is especially important for patients who use tobacco, consume alcohol regularly, or have a family history of oral cancer.
What to Expect During a Screening
Oral cancer screening is:
- Fast — performed in just a few minutes
- Comfortable — no pain, needles, or radiation
- Thorough — includes lips, cheeks, tongue, roof/floor of mouth, throat, and jaw
- Included — part of every routine dental exam
We may also use light-enhanced tools or recommend follow-up imaging if something unusual is found.
Who Should Get Screened?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but higher-risk patients include:
- Adults over age 40
- Tobacco users (smoked or smokeless)
- Frequent alcohol users
- Individuals with HPV
- Patients with a family history of oral or throat cancer
- Anyone with chronic mouth sores or irritation
Screenings are especially important if it’s been a while since your last dental visit.
Is It Covered by Medi-Cal?
Yes — oral cancer screenings are included as part of covered preventive care under Medi-Cal. We’ll confirm your coverage before your visit.
We also are in network with:
- Delta Dental
- Anthem
Visit our Medi-Cal page for more information.
Local, Preventive Dental Care for El Dorado Hills & Beyond
Located in Diamond Springs, our practice welcomes patients from:
- El Dorado
- El Dorado Hills
- Placerville
- Shingle Springs
- Cameron Park
Our experienced doctors — Dr. Tommy Rutner, Dr. Robert Rutner, and Dr. Goodis — are committed to early detection, advanced diagnostics, and patient education.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Early detection can save your life. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last exam, schedule a visit with our team today — we’ll check for early warning signs and give you peace of mind.
FAQs About Oral Cancer Screenings
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Does oral cancer screening hurt?
No — it’s completely painless. It’s a visual and physical exam of your mouth and surrounding tissues.
How often should I get screened?
Screenings are included with every routine dental checkup, typically every 6 months.
Is oral cancer common?
While less common than some cancers, oral cancer is on the rise — especially in younger adults linked to HPV. Early detection is key.
Will I know right away if something is wrong?
If we detect anything unusual, we’ll explain what we see and may recommend further testing or a referral to a specialist.
Does insurance cover this screening?
Yes — it’s part of your preventive dental exam, covered by most insurance plans and Medi-Cal.
