The Clinic has received a community seed grant from VCU’s Massey Cancer Center to increase awareness of oral cancer for patients served by the Medical Clinic.

Grant funding will allow patients to receive free oral cancer screening in the Dental Clinic, addressing Massey’s mission of reducing the state cancer burden for all Virginians through health promotion and prevention through community action. The grant presents an opportunity for patients to benefit from a new collaboration between medical and dental services. Targeted information about oral cancer will be provided to all medical patients, and patients will be encouraged to take action for prevention by making a screening appointment in the Dental Clinic.

Tobacco use, age, and prolonged sun exposure from outside work all increase oral cancer risk. The screening process is quick, simple, and pain-0free. VCU dental and dental hygiene student providers will perform the screenings, and provide patients with a written summary of findings, which will also include identification of any dental treatment needs. Referrals will be made to VCU for any areas of concern. Patients who complete the screening will be eligible for a comprehensive dental examination and x-rays.

Massey Cancer Center Executive Director of Operations, Dr. Debbie Bryant, Jasmine Blue, program specialist, Brianna Stars, regional engagement coordinator, and Tiffani Collins, program administrator of navigation services, met with Jean Nelson, Clinic CEO, and Clinic staff to tour the Clinic and discuss the oral cancer screening initiative in early April.

Pictured (l-r) are staff from the Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic and Massey Cancer Center: Linda Davis, RN, Raven Davis, Mary Fox, Dr. Debbie Bryant, Jean Nelson, Darlene Cox, Anne Kornegay, Jasmine Blue, and Brianna Starks.