What is VELscope?
VELscope (Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope) is a hand-held device that uses a safe, blue-spectrum fluorescence light to illuminate the soft tissues of the mouth. Healthy tissue glows green under this light, while abnormal tissue — including pre-cancerous and cancerous cells — appears dark or does not fluoresce.
This technology allows our dental hygienists to detect oral tissue abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye during a traditional oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment success rates and survival outcomes.
Did You Know?
Oral cancer has one of the highest death rates of all cancers — not because it's hard to detect, but because it's often discovered too late. VELscope can help catch it early, when it's most treatable.
What Does a VELscope Exam Involve?
The VELscope exam is quick, painless, and takes approximately 15 minutes. Here's what to expect:
Room Lighting is Dimmed
To allow optimal fluorescence visualization, the room lights are turned off or dimmed.
Blue Light Exam
Your hygienist uses the VELscope device to illuminate all soft tissues — lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of mouth, palate, and throat.
Tissue Assessment
Any areas that appear dark or abnormal under the fluorescence light are noted and evaluated.
Results & Follow-Up
If any suspicious areas are found, your hygienist will discuss next steps, which may include referral to a specialist.
Who Should Have a VELscope Exam?
We recommend VELscope screening for all adult patients, especially those with any of the following risk factors:
Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
Heavy alcohol consumption
History of oral cancer
HPV infection
Prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer risk)
Age 40 and over
Persistent mouth sores or lesions
Difficulty swallowing or chewing