BRG Expands Cancer Program to Offer Dental Services

Dr. Clay Couvillon to provide dental consultations for Baton Rouge General cancer patients

Baton Rouge, La. – Beginning January 31, Baton Rouge General will further expand its cancer program by welcoming Clay Couvillon, DDS and the Dental Oncology Center of Louisiana to its Bluebonnet campus. Dr. Couvillon and his team focus on reducing and managing the oral side effects that often come along with cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

“While chemotherapy kills cancer, it can also damage normal cells – including ones in the mouth,” said Stephen Mumford, Vice President of Operations at Baton Rouge General. “Giving our patients access to a dentist who focuses on treating patients with these side effects will help improve their well-being on their cancer journey.”

As one of a few dentists in the south with a focus on the dental management of cancer patients, Dr. Couvillon’s team will see cancer patients with dental issues including broken or sensitive teeth, dry mouth, side effects of stem cell transplant therapy, or concerns about the appearance or health of their mouths. The program also benefits cancer patients who are interested in a thorough dental evaluation but do not have an established relationship with a dentist.

A Marksville native, Dr. Couvillon earned his undergraduate degree in Microbiology from LSU in 1997 and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry in 2004. With a passion for treating patients who are coping with cancer, Dr. Couvillon has dedicated time and continuing education hours toward effectively participating in multidisciplinary oncology teams. By bringing the field of dental oncology to the Baton Rouge area, he provides a valuable resource to cancer patients and oncologists.

“A dentist focused on the needs of our oncology patients will be an invaluable resource,” said Dr. William Russell, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at BRG’s Pennington Cancer Center. “Now along with centralizing our comprehensive cancer services, we are able to address another essential need that can improve cancer patients’ quality of life.”

This addition comes after BRG announced plans to expand its Pennington Cancer Center with a 32,000-square foot expansion and centralization of its cancer services, including radiation, chemotherapy, imaging, clinic space, hematology/oncology, nutritional support, and clinical trials. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring with a 2019 completion date.

Dr. Couvillon will practice in the Radiation Oncology area of BRG’s Pennington Cancer Center every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 8585 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge, LA, 70809 near Entrance 3. Dr. Couvillon will also provide his services to BRG cancer patients at his private practice, Sullivan Dental Center in St. Francisville.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.