Jacksonville Dental Specialist Warns of Rising HPV-Related "Dental Crisis" for Cancer Survivors

Dr. CJ Henley calls for radical shift in post-oncology dental protocols to combat rapid and devastating loss of dental health following life-saving radiation.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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As the medical community grapples with a significant rise in HPV-related head and neck cancers among younger, non-smoking demographics, a local dental expert in Jacksonville, Florida is sounding the alarm on a secondary, silent crisis: the rapid and devastating loss of dental health following life-saving radiation treatment. Dr. CJ Henley, DMD, is calling for a radical shift in post-oncology dental protocols, warning that the "routine" dental model is dangerously insufficient for the biological reality of a post-radiation mouth.

Why it matters

Historically, oral cancer patients were often long-term tobacco users with pre-existing dental issues. Today, the patient profile has shifted toward younger, healthier individuals who entered cancer treatment with impeccable oral health. This creates a false sense of security, as radiation fundamentally alters the biology of the mouth. Without specialized intervention, these patients are experiencing total dental failure within just a few years of being declared cancer-free.

The details

Radiation-induced xerostomia (permanent dry mouth) is often dismissed as a side effect, but Dr. Henley emphasizes its role as a clinical catalyst for decay. Saliva is the mouth's natural defense, buffering acid and delivering essential minerals. When radiation damages these glands, that defense is lost forever. More critically, radiation alters the blood supply to the jawbone, specifically the mandible. This reduced vascularity turns routine dental procedures, such as extractions, into high-risk events that can lead to osteoradionecrosis—a severe, non-healing infection of the jawbone.

  • Dr. Henley is calling for these new protocols to be implemented immediately to combat the rising crisis.

The players

Dr. CJ Henley, DMD, PA

A leader in restorative dentistry and oral oncology support in Jacksonville, Florida. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, he serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate complex care for cancer survivors. Dr. Henley is a former President of the Northeast District Dental Association and previously served as faculty in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UF.

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

The cancer center where Dr. Henley serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate complex care for cancer survivors.

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What they’re saying

“This is where the false sense of security begins. These patients assumed their lifelong habits would protect them. But radiation fundamentally alters the biology of the mouth. Without specialized intervention, we are seeing patients with 'perfect' teeth experience total dental failure within just a few years of being declared cancer-free.”

— Dr. CJ Henley, DMD (businessinsider.com)

“The goal of oncology is to save the patient's life. Our goal as dental specialists is to ensure the life they've regained isn't defined by the pain, expense, and trauma of avoidable dental catastrophe.”

— Dr. CJ Henley, DMD (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Dr. Henley is advocating for a mandatory, specialized standard of care for all head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, including mandatory custom fluoride trays, a three-month dental recall interval, and proactive pre-radiation dental clearance. These new protocols are intended to be implemented immediately to combat the rising crisis.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for specialized dental care and intervention for cancer survivors, as the biological changes caused by radiation treatment can lead to rapid and devastating dental decline if not properly managed. Oncology and dental teams must work together to ensure cancer survivors regain their health without the added burden of avoidable dental catastrophe.