Delay in the diagnosis of oral cancer has been classified as both 'patient delay' and 'professional delay'. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was designed (representative sample). Six hundred and sixty-nine telephone calls were made to private dental clinics distributed throughout Spain. The study was based on a telephone conversation with a simulated, standardized patient. The group 1 patient (with lingual ulceration) and the group 2 patient (seeking prosthodontic treatment), both following a prepared script. The average waiting time for group 1 was significantly shorter (p = 0.000) than for group 2 (3.3 days against 8.0) (Xi-Xj = 4.71;95% CI = -6.180,-3.243). When we compare the average waiting times for group 1 with the professional status, the delay was significantly shorter when the appointment was made by the dentist (p = 0.000). Dentists gave higher priority to patients with lingual ulceration over those who requested prosthetic treatment.