Dentists Perform Free Oral Cancer Screenings at the Nassau Coliseum as the Islanders take on the Boston Bruins

UNIONDALE, NY (11/18/2011)(readMedia)-- Dentists from the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) and Nassau County Dental Society will be at the Nassau Coliseum on November 19, 2011 performing free oral cancer screenings. An estimated 6,000 hockey enthusiasts will be able to receive free oral cancer screenings as part of the Nassau County Dental Society's public outreach and access to care program.

The New York Islanders have partnered with the Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS), a component of the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and event sponsor, Henry Schein Inc., (NASDAQ: HSIC), through its corporate social responsibility program, Henry Schein Cares, to bring oral health to their players and fans. This year, NCDS member dentists screened more than 750 people at various venues in the state, including Belmont and Saratoga Racetracks and Adelphi University. The Society has been providing this service since 1980 to raise awareness of the importance of regularly scheduled check-ups including oral cancer screenings.

"It's surprising to see the rise in oral cancer among our younger population," said Dr. Robert Trager, Oral Cancer Awareness Chair, Nassau County Dental Society. "College students don't realize the negative impact chewing tobacco has on their oral health. New studies show that the human papilloma virus, specifically HPV16, is also linked to oral cancer and is spreading among middle, high school and college students. It's tragic! The Dental Society is doing all it can to get the word out to the residents of Nassau County and New York State."

Nassau County Dental Society dentists have good news about progress against oral cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it. Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year. An estimated 7,550 people (5,180 men and 2,370 women) will die of these cancers this year. More than 25 percent of the 30,000 Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease. On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years. African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is one-third higher than among Caucasians and the mortality rate is almost twice as high. "Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25 percent of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors," Trager said. "There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors."

The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1. Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Knowing the risk factors and seeing your dentist for oral cancer screenings can help prevent this deadly disease.

"Nassau County Dental Society's volunteer dentists are delighted to provide oral cancer screenings, free of charge, to the citizens of Nassau County and the state. If we can save one life by detecting oral cancer in its early stages at these events, we as a Society of concerned dentists feel proud and pleased to have done so", Dr. Trager said.

The Oral Cancer Screening event on November 19, 2011 at the Nassau Coliseum is in honor of the Oral Cancer Foundation's Oral Cancer Awareness Campaign.

The New York State Dental Association, founded in 1868, is one of the largest constituents of the American Dental Association and represents more than 13,000 dentists practicing in New York State.

Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners, is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the NASDAQ 100® Index. The Company is recognized for its excellent customer service and highly competitive prices. Henry Schein's five businesses - Dental, Medical, Animal Health, International, and Technology - serve more than 700,000 customers worldwide, including dental practitioners and laboratories, physician practices, and animal health practices, as well as government and other institutions. The Company's global social responsibility program, Henry Schein Cares, enhances access to health care for underserved and at-risk communities around the world.

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