SimplyTest has released an innovative saliva-based test that is able to detect high-risk strains of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with oropharyngeal cancer, according to an October 28, 2025, press release from the company. The SimplyTest Oral HPV test, which is designed for use in dental and functional medicine practices, offers a simple and accurate alternative to conventional screening methods.
The company notes that although oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV have been on the rise, particularly among younger, non-smoking adults, regular screening remains uncommon due to the lack of accessible, reliable tools, and most dentists still rely on visual assessments, which may not detect infections in early stages. By offering an objective, lab-based result that complements clinical exams, SimplyTest bridges this gap and empowers providers to recommend timely follow-up care or additional testing.
“As we continue to expand the SimplyTest platform, our mission remains clear: to make advanced diagnostic insights available at the very first point of care,” said Damon Silvestry, CEO of SimplyTest. “The Oral HPV test delivers on that vision by empowering dental and functional medicine providers to detect high-risk HPV earlier, when timely intervention can make the greatest difference in patient outcomes.”
Where conventional approaches rely on visual exams or uncomfortable swab-based tests, SimplyTest uses a painless sampling method in conjunction with a high-complexity nucleic acid assay to provide accurate results that are typically available within 24 to 48 hours of lab receipt. It is able to identify multiple clinically significant HPV serotypes associated with oral and pharyngeal cancers, including HPV-16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45 and others.
“The Oral HPV test was designed to make detection of high-risk HPV strains more accessible, more accurate, and far less invasive,” said Dr. Joel Peek, chief innovation officer at SimplyTest. “By enabling dentists and other providers to screen for high-risk HPV with a simple saliva sample, we’re helping close a critical gap in cancer prevention.”
Currently offered as a laboratory-developed test (LDT) under CLIA and CAP-accredited guidelines, the SimplyTest Oral HPV test meets the stringent validation standards required for high-complexity diagnostics. For more information, visit https://www.simplytest.solutions/tests/oral-hpv.
