She definitely needs to have a dental consult before starting radiation. At the very least she should have her teeth cleaned, a full mouth x-ray and any repairs made now. She should also be fitted for dental trays for in home flouride treatments. Like Mark, I agree that pulling teeth is often unneccessary (I kept all of mine). But meticulous dental care before, during and after treamnet is an absolute neccesity.

It is reckless and irresponsible of the radiation oncologist to not have REQUIRED this prior to radiation. I would be looking for another place to have treatment - preferably at a comprehensive cancer ceanter where they know what they are doing.

Dental complications can be quite severe.

See: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/dental-complications.htm