Amy,
About radiation: the standard treatment is 72 cGy delivered in fractions of about 2-2.5 cGy/day. The other option is to add a "boost" to it and they can do this for several reasons, poor response to treatment and/or advanced staging. This would add several more days to the treatment for a total dose of 81 cGy. 30 days would be a standard treatment protocol. 33-35 days would include the boost

Some RO's won't even irradiate unless a PEG is installed first.

If his teeth were in bad shape then they probably did the right thing but at a CCC you would have been refered to a dental oncologist and had a full mouth x-ray first. I got a second opinion from my dentist as well. I have always paid close attention to my dental hygiene.

I personally believe in being your own advocate but some persons do better in treatment just doing what they are told. Hence at times it seems like there are more caregivers on the forum than patients.

It's a tricky business. Once Dx'd they want to move quickly so many important decisions have to be made in short order. I had many sleepless nights while I researched all of my treatment options.

Robin, a full dental exam & cleaning should cost less than 200 bucks and is well worth it (dental trays are another $200 and necessary. Maybe there is a church that can give you the money from their benevolence fund.