Prospect Kentucky Dentist Offers Free Oral Cancer Screenings at Chamber's Community Expo

    PROSPECT, KY, May 12, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ideal Dentistry's Christian Hahn, DDS, is excited to introduce VELscope, a new diagnostic tool for the early detection of oral cancer. Free oral cancer screenings using the tool will be offered at the Prospect Area Chamber of Commerce 7th Annual Community Expo on May 12.

Getting screened is crucial because late-stage oral cancer has a higher mortality rate than brain, liver, kidney, cervical and ovarian cancers. Treatment of advanced stage oral cancer also can result in severe facial disfigurement, significantly decreasing quality of life.

"In the United States, oral cancer kills one person every hour," said Hahn. "Without early detection, only half the victims of this deadly disease survive more than five years."

VELscope, a new fluorescence-based diagnostic technology, is able to detect slight tissue abnormalities, allowing dentists and hygienists to conduct quick, painless screenings during patients' traditional annual dental exams.

"With the addition of advanced VELscope technology, Ideal Dentistry can now detect this life-threatening disease early and improve the probability of successful treatment," said the Prospect Kentucky cosmetic dentist.

Women between the ages of 20 and 40, and men over 40 years old are more likely to develop oral cancer, but all adults can contract the disease, regardless of lifestyle. A quarter of oral cancer victims do not smoke, abuse alcohol or have underlying health concerns.

"Your health is Ideal Dentistry's number one priority," Hahn said. "All adults should schedule an annual VELscope exam." Hahn added that high-risk patients, including people who use tobacco products or consume alcohol immoderately, and patients with viral infections or autoimmune disorders such as HIV and diabetes, may need to schedule more frequent screenings.

The Prospect Area 7th Annual Community Expo will take place from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, at Harrods Creek Baptist Church. Visit http://www.prospectareachamber.org/april-expo2011.htm for further information.

Hahn is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern California and the first American Academy of Cosmetic Dentist to serve Greater Louisville. His dentistry has been featured on The Discovery and Learning channels and in cosmetic dentistry journals. To learn more about Dr. Hahn and Ideal Dentistry, visit http://www.idealdentistry.com or call 502-228-4585.

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