The Importance of Early Oral Cancer Detection with VELscope® Scanning

Oral cancer is on the rise, affecting more people every year — including patients who don’t fit the traditional “high-risk” profile. What makes oral cancer particularly dangerous is that it often develops silently, without pain or noticeable symptoms, until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

At Alderlea Dental, we believe prevention and early detection are essential parts of total oral health. That’s why we offer VELscope® digital oral cancer screening, a fast, non-invasive technology that helps us detect abnormalities long before they are visible to the naked eye. At Alderlea Dental we recommends all patients be scanned once every 12 to 24 months, and every 3 to 6 months for patients at higher risk.

If you are looking for a dentist in Duncan, BC or the Cowichan Valley who offers VELscope® oral cancer screening, we invite you to call us and book an appointment as part of your routine dental health check-up.

Why Oral Cancer Is Increasing

While tobacco and alcohol use have long been known risk factors, modern cases are increasingly linked to HPV (Human papillomavirus), meaning oral cancer is now being found in patients of all ages and health backgrounds. Because early stages often look like harmless tissue changes, regular visual exams alone may not catch developing problems.

This shift makes routine advanced screening more important than ever.

What Is VELscope® and How Does It Work?

VELscope® is a handheld fluorescence-based scanning device used during a dental exam. It shines a safe blue light into the mouth, causing healthy tissues to fluoresce naturally. Areas that may be abnormal — including potential precancerous or cancerous changes — appear as darker zones under the light.

Key advantages:

• Completely non-invasive – no dyes, rinses, poking, or discomfort

• Takes only a few minutes

• Detects subtle tissue changes invisible to the naked eye

• Allows for immediate digital documentation

• Images can be securely forwarded to specialists if needed

  
  

VELscope® doesn’t diagnose cancer, but it allows us to identify areas that may require monitoring, re-checking, or referral before they develop into something more serious.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching abnormalities early makes a profound difference. Early-stage oral cancer is far easier to treat, often requiring less invasive procedures and offering a dramatically higher survival rate than cancers discovered later.

Early detection also means:

• Better treatment outcomes

• Lower risk of surgical complications

• Reduced long-term impact on speech, swallowing, and facial structure

• Greater peace of mind

By identifying tissue changes early — even before symptoms appear — patients have a much better chance of avoiding complex treatment or life-altering outcomes.

Why VELscope® Should Be Part of Your Routine Oral Care

Even patients with no risk factors benefit from periodic screening. Many oral cancers begin as painless, subtle lesions that can easily be missed until they advance. VELscope® enhances our ability to identify concerns early.

Alderlea recommends all patients be scanned once every 12 to 24 months, even if they feel perfectly healthy.

For high-risk patients — including those with a history of tobacco or alcohol use, HPV concerns, previous oral lesions, or other elevated risk factors — we recommend screening every 3 to 6 months for optimal monitoring and early detection.

Adding VELscope® to your standard dental check-up ensures comprehensive care that protects not just your teeth and gums, but your overall health.

VELscope® Screening at Alderlea Dental

At Alderlea Dental, we are committed to offering the most up-to-date, preventative-focused care. Incorporating VELscope® into your check-ups means you receive a more thorough exam and earlier intervention when needed.

If an area looks suspicious, we can take high-quality digital images and forward them directly to your GP / specialist for review. This communication has the goal of faster diagnosis.

Take a Proactive Step Toward Your Health

Oral cancer screening is simple, painless, and incredibly important — and adding VELscope® to your regular dental visits is recommended.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Duncan or the Cowichan Valley who provides VELscope® screening, or if it’s been over a year since your last scan, we encourage you to connect with us.

Book your next appointment at Alderlea Dental and ask for a VELscope® oral cancer screening with your dental health check-up.