Dr. Owen Allison, owner of Susquehanna Dental Arts, in Columbia, is offering a quick and effective oral cancer screening during routine oral hygiene appointments. He uses the VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System, a handheld scope that detects oral tissue abnormalities, including cancer and pre-cancer.

To inspect the mouth and tongue, the device emits a harmless, bright blue light that causes the soft tissue of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues appear in distinct patterns that are visibly disrupted by trauma or disease, such as neoplastic lesions and fungal, viral or bacterial infections.

Allison comments, “The VELscope is a wonderful addition to our oral exams. It allows an extra measure of early warning for oral problems.” The screening does not require the use of dyes and lasts about two minutes as part of the traditional oral head and neck examination given during the routine hygiene visit.

Location: 100 S. 18th St. For appointments or more information, call 717-684-3943 or 717-285-7033 or visit SusquehannaDentalArts.com.