Early detection of oral cancer is essential to improving treatment options for individuals who are diagnosed with this disease, and general dentists serve as a first line of defense. This is why Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) member dentists will provide free oral cancer screenings on July 13 for the general public during its Scientific Session in Las Vegas. Screenings will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT at Caesars Palace. Interested individuals can simply walk in.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 48,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and more than 9,500 people will die from it — that’s about one person every hour. Oral cancer is typically discovered in its late stages, which leads to a higher death rate. The disease can develop and grow without the patient noticing any obvious symptoms, reducing the chances that it will be diagnosed in the early stages.

To help bring attention to this deadly disease, the AGD Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the AGD, annually hosts oral cancer free screenings, which only take a few minutes to complete and people can access without concerns for costs.

Corporate donors provide vital support for the AGD Foundation’s oral cancer initiatives through financial donations and in-kind contributions. This year’s sponsors include 3M, Dentist’s Advantage and Heartland Dental.