There is not one single thing in preventive medicine that equals in importance mouth hygiene and the preservation of teeth."24Proper dental care and oral hygiene is of utmost importance in a healthy mouth. In one afflicted with cancer, such care may be critical in the successful management of the disease. Whether the treatment be surgery, irradiation, or a combination of the two, dental care should play a prominent part, before, during, and after treatment. Pretreatment Phase Surgery.— Initially, a careful examination and record should be made of the patient's mouth, including dentition and soft tissue. The examination should include dental x-ray films, or panoramic radiogram of jaws, in order that the extent of infection may be adequately recognized. Teeth with severe coronal destruction, severe periodontal disease, or periapical infection should be removed. In some instances, endodontics may be indicated. Dental prophylaxis, including removal of calculus deposit, restorations of