Delta Dental offers a benefit to help detect and prevent oral cancer. The benefit covers a diagnostic tool called the BrushTest™ which uses “Star Wars” technology to identify and analyze precancerous and cancerous cells. The BrushTest™ was developed by the company called CDx Laboratories Inc., which holds a patent for its use.
As with other types of cancer, or any disease, early detection is very important. In about 10 percent of patients, dentists may see red or white spots in the mouth, most of which are harmless. But to be certain, a dentist may want to test the spot using a BrushTest™. The test is quick, painless and involves little or no discomfort. The sample is then mailed off to a laboratory for computer-assisted analysis.
If the test shows abnormal cells (dysplasia), an oral surgeon can remove the cells and prevent cancer from developing. If the cells show early oral cancer, treatment can often stop the disease in its tracks.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the .PDF documents. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can download it free by clicking the following link:
Delta Dental is helping save lives