Dentists as Part of Your Cancer Care Team.

• Position: ORAL HEALTH

Cancer treatment often takes a team of health professionals--oncologists, nurses, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and social workers--to coordinate and provide comprehensive support for patients. At New York University, dentists are increasingly being considered an important part of the cancer care team.

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, many patients push other health care to the side to focus on addressing the disease, but people with cancer can experience unique issues related to their oral health. For instance, radiation to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands, hurting their ability to produce saliva, which can lead to tooth decay or cavities. Radiation and chemotherapy also can cause painful mouth sores.

Patients with cancer that has spread to their bones, or who are undergoing treatment that can weaken their bones, may be prescribed high doses of antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates. These can cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, in which the jawbone is exposed through the gums.

Other treatments--including chemotherapy and bone marrow...