For Referring Physicians & Oncology Teams

CJ Henley, DMD

Dental Evaluation and Treatment for Patients with Cancer

CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, who provides dental evaluation and treatment before, during, and after cancer therapy, including head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, and bone-modifying therapy for metastatic disease or multiple myeloma. Referred patients are typically seen within 72 hours, and Dr. Henley is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville.

We coordinate with the referring oncology team to address dental infection, plan care around cancer treatment, and reduce the risk of oral complications.

Referral to first visitTypically within 72 hours
Referral optionsSecure form · Fax · Physician line
Hospital affiliationBaptist Medical Center Jacksonville
Location3675 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Refer a patient Physician line: (904) 762-5616

Scope of care

Every evaluation is tailored to the cancer type and planned therapy. A patient preparing for head and neck radiation needs a different workup than a patient with metastatic disease starting an antiresorptive agent.

Head and neck radiation

  • Pre-radiation dental evaluation and recommendations, including a comprehensive exam and radiographs when indicated
  • Assessment of teeth with a poor prognosis and extraction when indicated, with timing and healing coordinated with radiation oncology
  • Prescription fluoride, with custom trays when indicated, and a prevention plan for radiation-related tooth decay
  • Monitoring and supportive dental care during treatment

Chemotherapy and stem cell transplant

  • Evaluation and treatment of active dental infection before immunosuppression
  • Timing of dental procedures coordinated with the oncology team around treatment cycles and blood counts

Bone-modifying agents for metastatic disease or multiple myeloma

  • Dental evaluation before the first dose of a bisphosphonate or denosumab, when possible
  • Treatment of infection sources to reduce the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
  • Ongoing MRONJ risk assessment for patients already on therapy

Survivorship after head and neck radiation

  • Long-term prevention and management of radiation caries
  • Xerostomia management
  • Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) risk assessment, particularly before extractions or other procedures involving irradiated jawbone
  • Complex restorative care after cancer treatment

Clinical background: NCI oral complications guidance, ISOO-MASCC-ASCO ORN guideline, and AAOMS MRONJ position paper.

How the evaluation works

  1. Referral received. Our team contacts the patient to schedule. Most patients are seen within 72 hours.
  2. Evaluation. The exam and imaging are based on the cancer type, treatment site, and planned therapy.
  3. Treatment before therapy begins. Dr. Henley works to complete all necessary dental treatment before the scheduled start date. When the timeline does not allow everything to be finished, treatment is prioritized by risk and the plan is shared with the referring team.
  4. Written summary to your team. You receive our findings, treatment completed or planned, and recommendations relevant to the patient's cancer therapy.
  5. Follow-up. We continue care during treatment and through long-term survivorship.

How to refer a patient

Physician-to-physician line
(904) 762-5616
Fax
(904) 212-4045
Office address
3675 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Main office
(904) 398-1549

Secure online referral

Use the HIPAAtizer referral form below to send referral details and attach clinical notes, imaging, or treatment plans.

Form not loading? Open the secure referral form in a new tab.

Please include with the referral

  • Diagnosis and primary site
  • Planned treatment and anticipated start dates
  • Radiation fields, if known
  • Current and planned medications, including antiresorptive agents
  • Contact information for the coordinating clinician

Questions from referring teams

How quickly will my patient be seen?

We aim to see referred patients within 72 hours of receiving the referral. Please include the planned treatment start date. For time-sensitive referrals, call the physician line so our team can coordinate scheduling with you.

What if radiation or chemotherapy is already scheduled to start soon?

Dr. Henley works to complete all needed dental treatment before the scheduled start date. When the timeline does not allow everything to be finished, treatment is prioritized by risk and the plan is communicated to the referring team so they can make informed decisions about timing.

What will I receive after the evaluation?

A written summary of the dental findings, treatment completed or planned, and any recommendations relevant to the patient's cancer therapy.

Do you bill medical insurance for these evaluations?

No. The practice does not bill medical insurance. Our team reviews costs and any dental benefits directly with each patient before treatment.

Do you see patients starting bisphosphonates or denosumab?

Yes. For patients with bone metastases or multiple myeloma starting antiresorptive therapy, a dental evaluation before the first dose helps identify and treat sources of infection and reduce the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Do you provide long-term care after head and neck radiation?

Yes. When radiation affects the salivary glands or jawbone, the risk of dental decay and osteoradionecrosis can persist long term. Risk depends on the treatment field, radiation dose, and individual dental and medical factors. Dr. Henley provides ongoing preventive care, fluoride therapy, xerostomia management, and restorative treatment, with ORN risk assessment before invasive treatment involving irradiated jawbone.

Clinical references

These resources support the clinical principles described above. Care is individualized in coordination with the treating oncology team.

  1. National Cancer Institute. Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies (PDQ®), Health Professional Version. Dental assessment, infection prevention, supportive care, and long-term follow-up.
  2. Peterson DE, et al. Prevention and Management of Osteoradionecrosis: ISOO-MASCC-ASCO Guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2024;42:1975–1996. doi:10.1200/JCO.23.02750.
  3. Ruggiero SL, et al. AAOMS Position Paper on Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws—2022 Update. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2022;80:920–943.
  4. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Cancer Treatments & Oral Health. Patient guidance on dental evaluation, fluoride, and oral side effects.

Are you a patient? See dental care before and after cancer treatment.

CJ Henley, DMD · General dentistry in Jacksonville, Florida
Page updated September 29, 2026