GENERAL & PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY · NEWTON, MA
Oral Cancer Screening in Newton & Boston
Oral cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Dr. Alex Smolyar performs a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every comprehensive exam at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA — a fast, painless, and potentially life-saving evaluation for patients across greater Boston.
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Oral cancer screening — why it belongs at every dental visit
Oral cancer — which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat — affects approximately 54,000 Americans each year according to the American Cancer Society. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer detected at an early, localized stage is approximately 85 percent. When detected at an advanced stage with regional spread, that rate drops to roughly 40 percent. Early detection is not merely helpful — it is the most important factor in whether a patient survives. This is why Dr. Smolyar performs an oral cancer screening at every comprehensive examination at our Newton, MA practice.
Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use in any form (smoking or smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), prolonged unprotected sun exposure to the lips, a prior oral cancer diagnosis, and a family history of oral or other head and neck cancers. However, a significant proportion of oral cancers occur in patients with none of these risk factors. This makes routine screening for all adults — not just high-risk individuals — an essential part of comprehensive dental care.
The screening performed by Dr. Smolyar at our Newton, MA practice is a thorough visual and tactile examination of all oral soft tissues. It takes approximately three to five minutes, is completely painless, and requires no special preparation. When something unusual is identified — an unexplained sore that does not heal within two weeks, a red or white patch, a lump or thickening, unexplained numbness, or difficulty swallowing — Dr. Smolyar refers promptly for biopsy and appropriate evaluation. Patients should not wait for a dental appointment to report these changes; they should call our office immediately.
“I have found oral cancer in patients who had no symptoms and no significant risk factors — found it early enough to make a profound difference in their outcome. That is exactly why we screen every single patient, every single time. It takes three minutes and it saves lives.” — Dr. Alex Smolyar, DMD
Candidacy
Who should have an oral cancer screening?
Every adult should have a routine oral cancer screening performed by their dentist at least once per year. Certain factors increase risk and warrant more frequent or heightened attention.
Often a great fit if you have…
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Use tobacco in any form — cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or snuff
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Consume more than one to two alcoholic drinks per day regularly
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Have a history of HPV infection, particularly high-risk strains
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Spend significant time outdoors with sun exposure to the lips without protection
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Have had a prior oral cancer or other head and neck cancer diagnosis
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Have noticed any unusual sore, patch, lump, or change in your mouth that has lasted more than two weeks
Alternatives may be better for patients with…
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An oral sore that has not healed after two weeks
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A red or white patch anywhere in the mouth that cannot be wiped away
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Unexplained bleeding in the mouth without obvious cause
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A persistent lump, thickening, or rough patch in the mouth or throat
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Unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness in the mouth, face, or neck
Do not skip your oral cancer screening.
Schedule your comprehensive exam and oral cancer screening at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA. The screening is included at every exam visit and takes just a few minutes. For patients with concerning symptoms, call (617) 712-2770 today.
Request ConsultationWhat to Expect
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA is fast, thorough, and completely non-invasive. Here is exactly what Dr. Smolyar evaluates.
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Step 01
Lips & Lip Commissures
Included in ExamThe outer and inner surfaces of both lips are examined visually and by palpation for any lesions, discoloration, crusting, induration, or asymmetry. The corners of the mouth (lip commissures) are also evaluated.
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Step 02
Tongue, Floor of Mouth & Cheeks
Included in ExamThe tongue is examined on all surfaces — top, sides, and underside — with particular attention to the lateral borders, which are the most common site of oral tongue cancer. The floor of the mouth and the buccal mucosa (inner cheeks) are examined visually and by palpation for any unusual tissue changes.
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Step 03
Hard & Soft Palate, Gums & Throat
Included in ExamThe roof of the mouth (hard and soft palate), gum tissue, and visible oropharynx are examined for any red or white patches, ulcers, swellings, or tissue irregularities. The tonsils and posterior throat are visualized to the extent possible.
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Step 04
Neck Palpation
Included in ExamThe lymph nodes of the neck are gently palpated to check for unusual enlargement or tenderness, which can indicate early spread of oral cancer or other infectious and inflammatory conditions in the head and neck region.
Why Choose Dr. Smolyar
Why choose Smolyar Dental for oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening is only effective when it is thorough, systematic, and performed at every exam without exception. Here is the standard at Smolyar Dental.
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25+ Years of Comprehensive Dental Care in Newton, MA
Dr. Smolyar earned his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1998, graduating with honors, and completed Pankey Institute training in advanced and comprehensive dentistry. The Pankey Institute philosophy is built on thorough diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and a genuine long-term patient relationship — values that define every preventive visit at Smolyar Dental.
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Systematic Screening — Every Patient, Every Visit
At Smolyar Dental, oral cancer screening is not an optional add-on or a service reserved for high-risk patients. It is a standard component of every comprehensive examination performed by Dr. Smolyar at our Newton, MA practice. No patient is overlooked. No exam is considered complete without it. This consistent approach is the reason early-stage lesions are found in patients with no obvious risk factors — because they are always examined.
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Prompt Action on Suspicious Findings
When Dr. Smolyar identifies a tissue change that warrants further evaluation, he acts promptly. Referral for biopsy or specialist evaluation is made without delay. He provides clear guidance on what was found, what the next steps are, and what to expect. Patients never leave uncertain about a finding. Early referral when warranted is one of the most important things a dentist can do for a patient’s long-term health.
Patient Reviews
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Dr. Alex Smolyar is the best dentist in the world. He is so talented and professional but above all he is an amazing human being. I have been his patient since 2015 and he does a phenomenal job. I appreciate everything he does.
Comprehensive Dental Care · Google Review -
Dr. Smolyar was tremendous. He, Ronit, and his whole team completely exceeded my expectations. Alex is a skilled and meticulous professional. In every sense, a great experience.
General Dental Care · Google Review -
Dr. Smolyar is an Einstein in the field of dentistry. After suffering for years with chronic migraines and visiting multiple specialists, Dr. Smolyar diagnosed and treated my migraines without medication. No more pain.
TMJ & Headache Dentistry · Facebook Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions worth asking.
Common questions patients ask about oral cancer screening at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA.
Ask Dr. Smolyar-
Oral cancer is more common than most people realize. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 54,000 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer in the United States each year. Rates have been increasing in younger adults, partly attributed to HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. Regular oral cancer screening at dental exams is the most reliable way to detect these cancers early, when treatment is most effective.
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Yes. While tobacco and alcohol use remain the most significant risk factors for oral cancer, a growing number of cases — particularly oropharyngeal cancers — occur in non-smoking, non-drinking younger adults and are associated with HPV infection. This is why Dr. Smolyar screens every patient at every comprehensive exam at our Newton, MA practice, regardless of risk profile.
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Oral lesions warranting evaluation include persistent white patches (leukoplakia), red patches (erythroplakia), red and white mixed patches (erythroleukoplakia), ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, lumps or thickenings in the soft tissue, and areas of unexplained numbness or pain. Any unexplained change in the mouth that persists for more than two weeks without a clear cause should be evaluated promptly.
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If Dr. Smolyar identifies a tissue change that requires further evaluation, he refers promptly to an appropriate specialist — typically an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat specialist — for biopsy and histopathological evaluation. He explains the finding clearly and honestly, including what it may or may not represent, and what the evaluation process involves. Most suspicious-appearing lesions turn out to be benign — but prompt evaluation is always the right approach.
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Oral cancer screening performed as part of a comprehensive dental examination is typically covered under the exam code on most dental insurance plans. Coverage for any diagnostic biopsy or specialist referral that follows varies by plan. Our team at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA can help you understand your coverage before any additional diagnostic procedures are performed.
Serving Newton & Greater Boston
Oral cancer screening near you.
Smolyar Dental is located at 71 Needham Street in Newton, MA, minutes from Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, and Route 9. Dr. Smolyar performs a systematic oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam — no separate appointment needed, no additional cost beyond your standard exam visit.
We serve patients from Newton, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, Waltham, Weston, Natick, and across the greater Boston metro area. On-site parking is available and the practice is accessible from the Newton Highlands MBTA Green Line D stop.
- Phone
- (617) 712-2770
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: 9am to 4pm · Friday: 9am to 2pm · Saturday & Sunday: Closed
71 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02461
Route 9, Route 128/95, and the Mass Pike. Most patients within 20 min.
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Your health starts here Schedule your visit today.
Your visit with Dr. Smolyar begins with a conversation. He takes the time to understand your health history, your concerns, and your goals before making any recommendation. There is no rush, no pressure — just thorough, personalized care from a dentist who genuinely invests in the long-term health of every patient.
- Dr. Smolyar personally conducts every examination and develops every care plan
- State-of-the-art digital X-rays and 3D CBCT imaging at our Newton, MA office
- Flexible scheduling — Mon–Thu 9am–4pm · Fri 9am–2pm
- Newton, MA office — serving Boston, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Wellesley and beyond
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