Turkish dentists' knowledge of head and neck cancer therapy-related complications: implications for the future

Appropriate and necessary oral care for people with cancer: guidance to obtain the right oral and dental care at the right time

PURPOSE

The identification of experienced and knowledgeable dental specialists to provide appropriate oral care for cancer patients, as well as the integration of this care within general oncology management, may be a challenge. This paper discusses the general and additional requirements for dental care providers to support the cancer patient and provide prevention and/or treatment for oral complications of cancer therapy.

METHODS

We performed a literature review of specific issues regarding the oral cavity and adjacent structures in the cancer patient, including detection and early diagnosis of oral malignancy. We incorporated the systemic effects of cancer and its therapy that affect oral disease and treatment. We present a summary of how to seek expert dental care for cancer patients and for referral from the dental and medical community.

RESULTS

Due to the complexity conferred by the disease and its treatment, cancer patients require educated, experienced dentists for treatment and/or prevention of oral-related morbidity. Correct diagnosis and evidence-based prophylactic and therapeutic oral care can significantly improve patient quality of life and reduce morbidity and healthcare costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge and expertise of dental professionals regarding prevention/treatment of complications and secondary malignant lesions in cancer patients are critical. Integration of oral care with the oncology care and in survivors requires effective communication between dental and medical providers beginning ideally at diagnosis. These clinicians may be identified at the cancer center, nearby hospital dental programs, and, less commonly, in the community.

Dental students' knowledge of characteristics and management of oral complications of cancer therapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the level of Turkish senior dental students' knowledge regarding the orodental complications and their treatment methods of cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A 15-item questionnaire which was obtained from National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research that contained information about the orodental complications of the cancer therapy and the dentists' role to provide their treatment protocols was used. Seventy-seven senior dental students answered the questionnaire and the replies were analyzed with stratified and logistic data analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, correct replies ranged from 5.2 to 98.7 %. The students knew the basic knowledge of the complications of cancer therapy; however, they failed to answer to the questions (ranging between 1.3 and 94.8 %) about the required clinical practices. The respondents preferred not to answer the questions about the prophylactic measures dentist shall take during a precancer treatment oral evaluation (9.1 %), management of pain in cancer treatment (6.5 %), and necessary considerations before a dental procedure in a chemotherapy patient (3.9 %). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that gender had no statistically significant effect on the correct or false answers to the questions (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results disclosed that dental students' knowledge about oral complications of cancer therapy and the modalities to manage these complications vary. Reevaluation of current undergraduate curricula and continuing education for graduates might address the gaps identified and an educational program about oral and dental management of patients who are to receive/receiving/have received cancer therapy can be prepared and augmented into dental curriculum.