For oncology patients, maintaining oral and dental health is a significant and integral part of their overall health. At the clinic of Dr. Andra Rettman, an oral medicine specialist, you can receive a holistic, personalized dental treatment plan – from preparation for oncology treatment, through the treatment period and afterwards – that addresses your complex medical background and the medications you receive. Here you will find a complete guide to dental care for cancer patients, including details that will help you obtain funding and reimbursement for treatment.
Radiation therapy involving the mouth and teeth, as well as various chemotherapy treatments, may affect the oral cavity and cause side effects and complications such as: dry mouth that makes chewing and speaking difficult, dental and mucosal infections, mucosal ulcers, altered sensation, altered taste, burning tongue, caries, osteonecrosis of the jaw and limited mouth opening.
These effects significantly affect quality of life during treatment, impair nutrition, and in severe cases may even endanger your health.
Dental care for oncology patients. Illustration. Photo: Pixabay
The goal of the dental examination and treatment is to help you get through the oncology treatment phase with minimal damage to the mouth and teeth. It is also very important to discuss with you the expected oral side effects and help manage them when needed.
This stage can spare you pain and suffering, and even save money in the long term, through:
Professional diagnosis and treatment of sources of infection that may flare up during oncology treatment, such as extraction of hopeless teeth, treatment of active gum disease, root canal treatment, and smoothing of teeth that may injure the mucosa – as well as guidance on maintaining proper hygiene.
Building a dental treatment plan to preserve as many teeth as possible and to allow proper chewing during treatment and a varied diet.
At this stage, side effects appear depending on the type of chemotherapy/biological treatment and/or radiation field, or due to immunosuppression. Most common are painful ulcers of the oral mucosa and dry mouth that makes eating, chewing and speaking difficult. The importance of follow-up at this stage lies in diagnosing infections of the teeth and/or oral mucosa, guiding you on how to prevent them, and managing oral pain.
At this stage, damage to the mouth may appear – from multiple caries lesions (cavities) to osteonecrosis of the jaw (in cases of radiation therapy to the jaws).
At this stage, in most cases, you are still receiving medication, which may also affect various considerations when performing dental treatment. Treating oncology patients is a complex medical and dental challenge, so you should see a dentist who specializes in oral medicine and has appropriate training in treating patients with complex medical backgrounds.
1. Cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy / radiation to the head and neck.
2. Cancer patients who have undergone resection of the jaws and/or adjacent tissues.
3. Cancer patients about to undergo surgery in the jaw area.
4. Cancer patients who have undergone or are about to undergo bone marrow transplantation.
Yes. Regardless of the dental clinic the patient chooses, every patient may choose a specialist dentist and carry out a tailored treatment plan that entitles them to reimbursement from their health fund (kupat holim) according to various categories.
Ministry of Health – *5400
National Insurance Institute – *6050
Shil – Citizens’ Advice Service – 118
Central Government Call Center – 1299
Reimbursement for dental treatment for oncology patients – important to know!
A distinction should be made between funding before chemotherapy/radiation treatment and treatment afterwards, which is fully covered (note that you must contact your health fund within 24 months of the end of treatment).
Treatments include conservative preventive packages and restorative treatments available at specialist clinics.
Conservative treatment, X-rays, examinations, fillings and treatment plans
Extractions, root canal treatment, root canal retreatment, immediate cores, acrylic dentures,
acrylic crowns and oral mapping.
Restorative treatment, including dentures and crowns.
Maccabi Healthcare Services:
Full details here
Clalit Health Services:
Full details here
Leumit Health Services:
All details here
Meuhedet:
All details here
To reduce bureaucracy and obtain reimbursement, it is recommended to contact your treating oncologist before starting dental treatment and ask them to complete the health fund forms. This will allow the dentist to understand your eligibility and build a treatment plan tailored to your medical condition and the oncologist’s recommendations.
1. See a dentist who specializes in oral medicine for an examination as soon as possible.
2. Undergo preliminary treatment to identify and eliminate possible sources of infection.
3. Receive guidance on maintaining oral hygiene and using mechanical and/or medicinal aids (such as chlorhexidine mouthwash, e.g. Corsodyl).
4. Full coordination between the oncologist and the dentist.
5. Adopt eating and drinking habits adapted to your treatment.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Attend regular check-ups and maintenance treatment for your teeth and mouth.
In summary: the dental clinic of Dr. Andra Rettman, Oral Medicine Specialist, a Hadassah Ein Kerem graduate, specializes in dental care for oncology patients. At the clinic you can receive the full range of dental treatments without delay, under one roof. The clinic has many years of experience in dental treatment for patients with complex medical backgrounds.
To read the Ministry of Health circular regarding eligibility for dental treatment for cancer and oncology patients, click here
To read the Ministry of Health Director-General’s circular on the expansion of the health services basket, click here
