Maintaining Oral Health During Cancer Treatment and Beyond

Valarie embarked on her myeloma journey back in 2015, and ever since she's been on a mission. As a resilient myeloma thriver, her passion lies in not just navigating her own path but also in illuminating the journey for others. With a steadfast commitment to understanding the intricacies of the disease, she champions education, shedding light on health inequities that often lurk in the shadows. Driven by a profound belief in fairness, Valarie tirelessly advocates for equitable access to top-tier healthcare, clinical trials, and tailored treatments. Her journey as a beacon of knowledge and support began when she assumed the role of a support group leader. Today, she continues to extend her hand as a myeloma coach, mentor angel, and the guiding force behind the Black Myeloma Health Community. Valarie's voice echoes far and wide as she fearlessly confronts the disparities faced by myeloma patients. Through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, she strives to forge pathways to solutions, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve. Join Valarie on her journey of empowerment and advocacy as she lights the way toward a brighter, more equitable future in myeloma care.

Katharine Ciarrocca, DMD, MSEd is the Director of Oral Medicine at Duke University Hospital, where she is a Consulting Provider and Clinical Associate Professor in both the Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery and the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences. Dr. Ciarrocca received her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and her MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Prior to coming to Duke, she was Associate Professor, Chief of Oral Medicine and the Director of Interprofessional Education at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. She has also spent part of her career as faculty at both the Dental College of Georgia as well as Penn Dental Medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Medicine. She is a fellow of the UAB Geriatric Faculty Scholars program. She has authored chapters in Burket’s Oral Medicine textbook, and is currently the Secretary on the American Board of Oral Medicine. She practices full-time at Duke University Hospital in both the outpatient clinic, the operating room, and the Duke Blood Cancer Center. Her practice focuses on medically complex patients and how that complexity affects the oral cavity including the diagnosis and management of oral complications of head and neck radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bisphosphonate treatment, solid organ transplant, bone marrow transplant, and cardiac surgery.