In observance of Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April, experts at Carolina Dental Specialty Center (DSC) are raising awareness about the importance of early oral cancer detection and encouraging patients to schedule oral cancer screenings at their Jacksonville practice.
Screenings are available by appointment and are open to both new and existing patients. Oral cancer, when caught in its earliest stages, has a significantly higher survival rate. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected until they have reached advanced stages.
“Oral cancer often develops silently, without pain or obvious warning signs, which makes routine screening essential,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and chief dental officer at Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “Early detection through a quick and simple in-office screening can lead to life-saving outcomes. We want patients to know that this is not something to wait on.”
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer will affect more than 54,000 individuals in the U.S. this year, and the disease claims one life every hour. The most common risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, many people who develop oral cancer do not have any clear risk factors, which is why routine screenings are vital for everyone.
Carolina DSC’s comprehensive screening process includes a careful examination of the mouth, lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, and surrounding tissues to check for suspicious lesions, discoloration, or changes in texture. If any abnormalities are found, the team works closely with patients to coordinate follow-up care and appropriate next steps.
In addition to emphasizing screening, the team at Carolina DSC is also seeking to educate the community about the subtle symptoms, which should never be ignored. These include persistent mouth sores, lumps, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks.
“Our goal during Oral Cancer Awareness Month is not only to provide screenings but to educate,” said Arauz. “Being informed and staying proactive can truly make a difference. We want our patients to feel empowered to take control of their health.”
Carolina Dental Specialty Center is a trusted provider of specialized dental care, offering advanced periodontal services, surgical procedures, and implant dentistry in Eastern North Carolina. The practice remains committed to supporting patients through personalized care, education, and expert treatment.
To schedule a screening or learn more about oral cancer detection and risk factors, patients are encouraged to contact the office directly.
About Carolina Dental Specialty Center
The Carolina Dental Specialty Center specializes in periodontics, robotic dental implants, and oral medicine. Dr. Arauz is a board-certified periodontist trained in dental implant robotics, as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the American Board of Periodontology.
