Released on = April 26, 2006, 11:24 am

Press Release Author = Hamilton/Saunderson

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Woodinville Dentist Michael Koczarski is one of only 50
dentists nationwide to use the VELscope oral cancer detection tool during trials.

The VELScope allows dentists to shine a light in the mouth, look through an attached
eyepiece, and watch directly for changes in color. Normal oral tissue emits a pale
green fluorescence, while potentially early tumor, or dysplastic, cells appear dark
green to black.

Press Release Body = Open Wide: Your Dentist May Very Well Save Your Life

Knowing what's inside of your mouth may be a matter of life and death. Oral cancer
now ranks as the ninth most common cancer among men. Rates in men are twice that of
women and an even higher in men over age 50.

Dentist Michael Koczarski, who lectures nationally on various oral health issues and
is presently the Editor of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry JOURNAL is one
of only 50 dentists nationwide who have the VELscope during trials:

"This diagnostic breakthrough will give dentists an upper-hand in this battle
against a cancer that takes a person every hour of every day in the US, with 300,000
new cases worldwide annually", states Dr. Michael Koczarski. "I can see the day when
this technology will be used to screen all patients to increase early oral cancer
detection and save lives."

Developed by scientists at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) and LED Medical
Diagnostics Inc., the VELScope allows dentists to shine a light onto a suspicious
sore in the mouth, look through an attached eyepiece, and watch directly for changes
in color. Normal oral tissue emits a pale green fluorescence, while potentially
early tumor, or dysplastic, cells appear dark green to black.

The VELscope is a screening device that aids in the detection of mucosal
abnormalities including pre-malignant and malignant lesions. It improves the
dentist's visual inspection. The VELscope illuminates tissue with specific
wavelengths that interact with and provide metabolic and biochemical information
about the cells at and just beneath the surface. This gives clinicians the advantage
of seeing early biochemical changes before they present more obviously.

Nearly 30,000 Americans learn they have cancer of the mouth and lips or part of the
throat each year. With a 50% five-year mortality rate, everyone - especially
Mavericks - needs to take note of the risk factors. While self-examination is
advised, the best method for detection is a visit with your dentist. When found
early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure rate.

You increase your oral cancer risk when you:

Ø Use any form of tobacco, including cigar, pipe, and chewing.

Ø Drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

Ø Exposed your lips to sunlight on a regular basis.

Ø Bite your lip or cheek.

Ø Wear ill-fitting dentures.

Dr. Michael Koczarski operates a private practice in Woodinville in is the Editor of
the JOURNAL of Cosmetic Dentistry. He was voted one of the Top Dentists by his peers
in Seattle Magazine. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry
Class of 1989, Dr. Koczarski was honored with the Alpha Omega Award for graduating
first in his class. He is an honorary member of the Omieron Kappa Upsilon Dental
Society, which recognizes the top 5 % of dentists in the country. In addition to
being a sustaining member of the AACD, Dr. Koczarski is co-director of The Hornbrook
Group, past co-director of the University of Pacific, is published in a variety of
other dental journals.

For more information on Dr. Michael Koczarski call (425) 486-2200 or visit
www.nwsmiles.com.



Web Site = http://www.nwsmiles.com

Contact Details = Dr. Michael Koczarski call (425) 486-2200 or visit www.nwsmiles.com.