September's Resource in the Limelight

In this month's 'Resource in the Limelight' our very own community outreach officer Tam Burks writes, "As the Navigator for the Head and Neck Program, I work very closely Dental Oncology Professionals.  The level of expertise and care for our oncology patients is second to none.

 We do have our own dental department at UTSW but this office arranges payment plans for our patients.  This is very important considering the majority of our patients do not have dental coverage."

Dental Oncology Professionals is dedicated to meeting the unique dental and oral health care needs of individuals battling various forms of cancer at all stages. We have experience treating and managing oral side effects and complications that can arise as a result of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other
immunosuppressive regimens. As a general dentistry practice dedicated to taking a systemic health focused
approach to oral medicine, we also specialize in the treatment of complex oral issues like those found in autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s Syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis as well as blood cell or organ transplants. To be of maximum service, it is important for the patient to see us as soon after diagnosis as possible. By working in concert with the medical team, there is much we can do to prevent significant oral
pain and infection by seeing the individual early in his or her journey to recovery, preferably before treatment begins. Even if care has already begun, there is much we can do to manage oral health and dental needs throughout treatment and beyond.