India accounts for nearly one-third of the world’s oral cancer cases, with tobacco, betel nut chewing, and poor oral hygiene being the leading causes. Most cases are diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are low.
Dentists are often the first professionals who can spot early warning signs white patches, non-healing ulcers, or suspicious growths. Yet, routine oral cancer screening is not standard practice in many clinics.
Supporters of a stronger dental role argue:
Dentists can counsel patients against tobacco and betel nut use
Early detection during routine check-ups could save thousands of lives
Dental professionals could collaborate with oncology teams in prevention campaigns
Critics question whether already overburdened dental practices have the time and resources for widespread screening.
What do you think?
Should oral cancer screening become a mandatory part of every dental visit in India?
Yes. We can identify symptoms early during routine dental checkup. It is a common practice to advocate the patients against smoking and the use of tobacco products during a dental visit.. But sadly, I felt like no patient was going to quit due to our advice. It needs more effective programs and follow ups.
Given India’s high oral cancer burden, making screening a routine part of dental check-ups could be a game changer. Even a quick look for warning signs can mean earlier detection and better survival.
As a dentist, I’d say yes. Oral cancer screening should be a routine part of every check-up in India. It barely takes a few extra minutes to examine the oral cavity closely and the potential impact is huge given our country’s high risk factors. Early detection can completely change a patient’s prognosis. Of course, awareness and training need to be scaled up but integrating screening into routine practice feels like a necessary step forward.
Yes, oral cancer screening should be a regular part of dental visits in India. Many people ignore early signs, and dentists are in the best position to catch them during routine check-ups. If screening becomes standard, it can help detect cancer early and save lives. Even simple steps like checking for white patches or ulcers can make a big difference. It also gives dentists a chance to educate patients about tobacco and betel nut risks. With proper training and support, this can become part of daily dental care without adding too much pressure. Prevention is always better than cure.
In my opinion, if oral cancer symptoms are fairly easy to recognize in potential patients, it should be and orthodontist’s responsibility to inform the patient of potential measures that can be taken to avoid the worst. But if it requires special screening tests and additional procedures, then this duty lies with an oncologist.
Initially oral cancer in the buccal mucosa appears to be similar to a oral ulcer and many ignore it. And especially for those who consume tobacco and betal nuts haave almost numbness around, so they don’t really feel the pain at initial stages. Oral screening should be a mandatory procedure for everyone. Just awareness spreads will not be more impactful.
Dentists are often the first point of contact for oral health. This puts them in a unique position to detect early warning signs—such as precancerous lesions—during routine check-ups. Beyond diagnosis, dentists can play a vital role in prevention by counseling patients on quitting tobacco, raising awareness about lifestyle risks, and participating in community screening programs.
I think yes oral cancer screening should be a mandatory part of every dental visit in India.Making it mandatory would integrate prevention into routine care and help reduce India’s heavy oral cancer burden.