EL PASO, Texas — A recent visit to the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic began like any other: A patient came in for a routine checkup and casually mentioned a slight discoloration on their gums. But thanks to the attentiveness of a student provider, that small concern led to a critical discovery: precancerous lesions.
“This was a powerful example of how well our students are trained,” said Sehrish Javaid, an associate professor of pathology at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. “They’re learning to trust their instincts and take immediate action for the patient’s well-being.”
For Javaid, every screening is more than a lesson — it’s deeply personal. She lost her mother to tongue cancer just before her second year of dental school, a devastating experience that reshaped her career and ignited a passion for prevention.
“She didn’t have any risk factors and was initially treated for infections,” Javaid said. “By the time she got a diagnosis, it was too late. That experience is why I do what I do.”
At the Hunt School of Dental Medicine, Javaid is leading efforts to educate the community on the importance of early detection. The Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic is offering no-cost oral cancer screenings all year long, especially during National Dental Care Month in May to help save lives through prevention and education.
Javaid has dedicated her career to advancing oral cancer research and training future dental professionals to recognize even the most subtle signs of disease — signs often overlooked until it’s too late.
“Oral cancer can start as a small change in tissue color or texture, often with no pain,” she said. “By the time symptoms become noticeable, the disease can already be advanced.”
While El Paso County reports lower rates of late-stage oral cancer diagnoses — approximately 4.6 cases per 100,000 people, compared to the Texas average of 7.1 — nearly 60% of those local cases are still detected at an advanced stage. That’s why regular screenings are essential.
“Our strongest weapon against oral cancer is early detection,” Javaid said. “I want people to understand that a simple screening could save a life. Don’t wait for symptoms — be proactive.”
As part of every comprehensive dental exam, the clinic offers vital oral cancer screenings to detect early warning signs before symptoms worsen. These simple check-ups can make a lifesaving difference, especially for individuals who use tobacco, drink alcohol regularly, or have a history of oral HPV.
Financial assistance is available to patients who qualify, and the first dental exam typically takes about two hours. Patients are evaluated by dental students under the close supervision of faculty, with thorough assessments of the mouth, neck and jaw.
To expand access to care, the clinic also offers no-cost oral health screenings at community outreach events. More events are planned throughout the year.
The Hunt School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural class — the Class of 2025 — is preparing for its historic commencement this May, marking the culmination of four years of hands-on training at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic.
Part of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine, the clinic provides local residents with affordable, high-quality dental care in an academic setting where education, innovation and compassion meet.
To make an appointment or learn more about oral cancer screenings at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic, call 915-215-6700 or visit ttdentalcare.com.
Improving lives. Empowering generations.
Here at Texas Tech Health El Paso, we’re dedicated to growing our own future health care heroes and eliminating health care disparities. To learn more about how Texas Tech Health El Paso is improving lives and empowering generations, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.
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