Illume dental practice are the first practitioners in Cheltenham to become members of The Mouth Cancer Screening Accreditation Scheme(MCSAS). The scheme, a brand new initiative from the Mouth Cancer Foundation, supports dental practices across the country that aim to increase public awareness of Mouth Cancer.
Mouth Cancer is a potentially fatal disease that affects the lives of approximately 6,500 Britons per year. The early warning signs and symptoms can be difficult to spot and are often mistaken for other ailments, such as mouth ulcers.
The MCSAS is based on three core principles: Improving early detection by dentists, reducing delays in access to diagnosis and treatment, and prevention by lifestyle changes. The combination of these principles aims to raise public awareness of mouth cancer, the causes and symptoms of the disease, and the role that dentists can play in early detection and improved oral health.
The MCSAS only accredits dental practices which are able to actively prove they regularly screen their patients for head and neck cancers, and where necessary, provide an effective referral service to a local specialist for those that require further investigation.
Illume dental practice already offers Mouth Cancer Screening as part of its Healthy Mouth Review service, an examination that replaces the traditional dentistry check-up. Illume practice owner, Tim Rumney confirms, “Here at Illume Dental Practice we believe the phrase ‘check-up’ suggests a quick cursory look into a patient’s mouth. We offer all current and new patients a Healthy Mouth Review as standard, leaving no leaf unturned when it comes to oral health. Mouth Cancer is a serious condition, where early detection is key to saving lives.”
For Illume, The MCSAS accreditation consolidates the importance of its Healthy Mouth Review service, and highlights its innovative approach to patient care. Tim continues, “I believe it is an excellent achievement to be the first dental practice in Cheltenham to become a member of the MCSAS. At Illume we are 100% committed to the oral health of our patients, from Mouth Cancer screening to advice on lifestyle changes. We take the time to listen to patients so we can offer treatments and services tailored to each individual.”
Mouth Cancer Action Month, run by the British Dental Health Foundation, commenced on 1 November 2013. To show support for this campaign and to highlight its newly accredited status, Illume dental practice is holding an open day where free mouth cancer screening will be offered. This is due to take place on Tuesday 26 November 2023 - To register your interest please contact the practice.