Protect your health with Oral Cancer Screenings—simple, thorough exams designed to catch concerns early and give you peace of mind.
Oral cancer is one of the most serious — and most detectable — conditions your dentist checks for at every exam. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for oral cavity cancer exceeds 88 percent. When caught late, outcomes are far less favorable. Regular oral cancer screenings in Durham, NC are one of the most important things you can do to protect your long-term health.
At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, Dr. Will Church provides complete oral cancer screenings as part of our commitment to your health and well-being. With his training from UNC and advanced diagnostic technology, including our cone beam imaging system, we ensure thorough examinations that catch potential concerns before they develop into serious problems. Our general dentistry services prioritize prevention and early detection to keep you healthy.
Oral cancer impacts thousands of Americans annually, with the National Cancer Institute reporting an estimated 59,660 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer in 2025. While tobacco and alcohol use are significant risk factors, human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as another major contributor to oral cancer cases. Even individuals without traditional risk factors can develop oral cancer, making routine screenings essential for everyone.
Age plays a role in oral cancer risk. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 55 to 64, though the disease can affect anyone at any age. Men face approximately twice the risk of women, and certain populations experience higher incidence rates. Understanding these risk factors helps us tailor screening recommendations to your individual needs.
During your visit, we perform a comprehensive visual and tactile examination of your entire oral cavity. Dr. Church carefully inspects your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of your mouth, and throat for any unusual changes. We look for red or white patches, lumps, swelling, or areas of tissue that appear different from surrounding structures.
The screening process is painless and typically takes just a few minutes as part of your regular dental examination. We may use our advanced technology to enhance the visualization of oral tissues and identify abnormalities that might not be visible to the naked eye. If we discover anything concerning, we’ll discuss the next steps with you immediately.
Between dental visits, you should remain vigilant for certain symptoms. Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks warrant professional evaluation. White or red patches on your tongue, gums, or oral tissues require examination, as do unexplained lumps or thickening in your mouth or neck.
Difficulty swallowing, chronic sore throat, or the sensation that something is caught in your throat should never be ignored. Changes in your voice, numbness in your mouth or lips, or loose teeth without an obvious dental cause also merit immediate attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our office right away rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes for oral cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, when oral cavity cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate reaches 88.4 percent. However, only 26 percent of cases are currently caught at this early stage, underscoring the critical importance of regular screenings.
Unfortunately, approximately 70 percent of oral cancers are diagnosed at later stages when treatment is more complicated, and outcomes are less favorable. Routine visits that include oral cancer screenings provide the best opportunity to identify abnormalities when they’re most treatable. We recommend screenings at least once per year for most patients, with more frequent examinations for those with elevated risk factors.
At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, oral cancer screenings are included at every preventive exam — not offered as an add-on. Dr. Church is conveniently located near Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, making it easy for patients throughout the Triangle to stay current on preventive screenings without having to seek out a specialist. Most patients do not realize their dentist performs this check at every cleaning appointment.
If Dr. Church identifies anything that warrants follow-up during your screening, he will explain exactly what he found, what it may indicate, and what the appropriate next steps are. In most cases, early findings are benign — but catching anything early is precisely the point. For patients experiencing sudden oral symptoms between scheduled visits, same-day emergency appointments are available.
Dr. Will Church and the team at Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics believe that every patient deserves thorough, attentive care — and that includes checking for oral cancer at every exam. If you are due for a cleaning and have not had a screening recently, or if you have noticed any changes in your oral tissues, do not wait. Contact our Durham office to schedule your appointment and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are being proactively monitored by a dentist who pays close attention.
Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.
When you visit Church Family Dentistry, you’re in the hands of a dentist who approaches every appointment with genuine curiosity about your goals — not just your teeth. Dr. Will Church combines advanced training from UNC with a deep passion for cutting-edge dental technology, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and confident in every decision they make about their care.
Quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. At Church Family Dentistry, we work hard to make treatment fit your budget — whether you have insurance, prefer financing, or simply want flexible payment solutions.
While we are proudly out-of-network, we file PPO benefits on your behalf to maximize your savings. We accept and process most major dental insurance plans — Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions.
We offer multiple financing options so care stays within reach — from simple out-of-pocket costs to larger treatment investments. Apply in minutes and get a decision quickly.
We happily accept Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Use your pre-tax dollars for any dental procedure — from routine cleanings to cosmetic treatment and implants.
Questions about your coverage? Call us at (919) 220-6553 — we’re happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.
At Church Family Dentistry, every patient’s experience matters deeply to us. Hear firsthand why Durham families trust Dr. Church with their smiles.
Church Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Durham, NC — right next to Duke Regional Hospital, with comfortable operatories overlooking beautifully wooded surroundings.
Address
2711 N Duke St #B
Durham, NC 27704
Phone
(919) 220-6553
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| Monday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. Call our Durham office or request an appointment online — we’re here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan that fits your life.
Whether you’re a new patient or returning for care, Dr. Church and his team will take time to truly understand your goals before recommending any treatment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Will Church for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs and clinical factors. Contact Church Family Dentistry at (919) 220-6553 for personalized care or dental emergencies.
