At this week's British Dental Conference and Exhibition at ExCeL London, Mouth Cancer Foundation Ambassador Dr Philip Lewis was due to explain to delegates how by carrying out thorough head and neck cancer checks at routine appointments, lives will be saved.

The presentation was the formal launch of the Mouth Cancer Foundation's new screening initiative, the Mouth Cancer Screening Accreditation Scheme. The scheme will recognise dental practices that demonstrate a visible commitment to increasing public awareness of mouth cancer screening to all patients and establish a documented referral pathway with a local specialist department.

Dr Lewis said: 'The Mouth Cancer Screening Accreditation Scheme offers lots of benefits to practices. As well as saving lives it is a practice builder. It encourages footfall and trust. The scheme is as much about educating the public as it is about screening them.'

The scheme is open to any dental practice with GDC-registered clinicians. For more information info@mouthcancerfoundation.org or telephone 01924 950950.