Dentists.

[fran2]

We,thats me,my hubby and son all had our checkups yesterday. I was suprised to learn that dentists now have to check for oral cancer. Our dentist told us as GP's don't do this,its now up to the dentist to check. Is this just in wales? Thanks.

[cazzz1975]

mine didnt last time I went (im in england), mind you I was being contrary. so he probably would have preferred to muzzle me and have me escorted from the surgery!

[mistys]

My friends dentist told her twice that he was sending her off for test because he could see something in her xrays. Shes had cancer before so was really worried about it and both times it was just bone.
I dont think he knew what he was talking about, if they cant check right then the doc should do it.
This was in England.

[cazzz1975]

are dentists qualified to do this though???

[pussnboots]

No not just in Wales, my dentist checks for cancer every time and has done for as long as I can remember. I hope he didn't charge you extra for this, as it is just general proceedure.

[bigmamma]

I cant speak for anyone elses GP practice but ours won't see anyone with oral treatment that a dentist now sees.

[fran2]

Hmm, so its not just wales then? We did'nt have to pay extra puss. We were just suprised that dentists have to do the cancer checks now. Our last checkup was 6 months ago and this law was'nt in force then. Our dentist said she had to tell us before she checked as gp's wont do it anymore and she had big pics of people with various oral cancers on her wall. Ssscary.

[fran2]

I would think dentists must be qualified cazz or they would'nt be allowed to do checkups like this,least I hope so!

[Joe_the_Lion]

Is this classified a day out?

I suppose your son has to have an adult with him. Maybe the dental nurse felt threatened eh?

Should be locked up if you ask me.

[fran2]

Little joe, you wont believe how threatened the nurse felt by my son. All 22 years of him! Strange as she loves my 2 older sons 36 this year and 33 this year. Big boys they are mind look you innit boyo. Wanna meet em? From the old welsh hag with the droopy face,59 on June 10th.

[FUZZYBEE]

I worked as a dental nurse for ten years and my dentist spotted two cases of oral cancer one had a fantastic outcome and the other sadly not. There is not a specific test for this but people just assume that dentists are about teeth. They aren't , any Dentist who is any good looks at the gums and the cheeks (where a lot of cancer can start) during a regular check up, it's not necessaryily to do with x-rays. Mouth cancer usually starts with a slightly different patch of skin within the mouth, sometimes the roof or the floor of the mouth. Dont be alarmed though because there is a very common fungal infection that we used to see alot called lichen planus.Very common in those who wear dentures. Mouth cancer can start from repeated trauma such as cheek biting and also vast amounts of spicy foods do not help.

[smudge]

I went for a routine check up four months ago & my dentist noticed a little red patch inside the back of my mouth. He said I'd better get it checked just to be on the safe side & sent me along to the maxiofacial dept., of the local hospital.

Thankfully, the consultant said it was nothing to worry about & turned out to be a tooth rubbing against my gum. My dentisit filed down a tiny bit of my back tooth & the red patch has since disappeared.

Having said that, whilst I was in the waiting room, a teenage girl was having a little cry & I asked her if she was nervous. She said it wasn't her who was being seen, but her Mum who had the first signs cancer on her tongue & was having treatment for it - so you never know.

[Pippa68]

All the more reason for dentists to become a proper part of the NHS with dentists & free treatment for all...

[Robinia]

I wouldn't worry about them being qualified fran - in my experience dentists have checked for abnormalities in the mouth & throat for years.
When I went to a new dentist 15 yrs ago after a long lapse (smacked wrist) I had to give him my medical history & I was very impressed about what he knew, not only about the disease but the treatment too.

[smudge]

I'm glad our dentist has remained working within the NHS Pippa - but don't know for how much longer tho'.....

[fran2]

Thanks for your replies all. FUZZY, You've cleared things up for me. Who would think cheek biting could be the cause of cancer? Im glad I dont do that,tho' I used to as a child. Smudge,Just 1 small red patch? Im glad it was nothing serious! I hope that poor woman's recovered by now. Pippa,how right you are.Why can't things be like they used to be regarding the NHS? "Nye" Bevan must be turning in his grave! Robinia, Im starting to think good dentists are as reliable as GP's when it comes to oral matters. Its just a shame we have to pay for a service that used to be free. Would you believe,our dentist does a "B.O G O F" Yesterday it cost me �40 for my checkup, 1 tiny filling to be done next week plus an oral pressure wash. I cant tolerate the scrape & polish due to sensitive teeth. Dentists doing Bogof's now:-~

[Illyria54]

What's a dentist?