Amber,

I agree that the free dental service can be very helpful, especially since there's potentially a lot involved. Just be careful, though -- not all dentists are fully up to speed on radiation-related issues that affect dental treatment, even for years after the radiation is over.

My dentist and oral surgeon are very sensitive about that concern, and if they have any question about what is to be done and who should do it, they discuss it and in some cases refer the work to a specialist (and I'm more than 15 years out from radiation).

Cathy

Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989