IADR Abstract Archives
Establishment of Oral Oncology Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry (University of Western Cape)
Objectives: Oncology is the speciality of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The management of malignant neoplasms includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and supplemental medications that can adversely affect the soft and hard tissue of the oral cavity, experiencing short or long-term side effects. For this reason, a dental oncologist is vital to form part of the healthcare team responsible for treating cancer patients.
Oral oncology clinics therefore aim to assess and provide oral and dental treatment as a member of the multi-disciplinary cancer team to optimise the patient's oral health.
Methods: This clinic immediately focuses on cancer patients' oral and dental needs before, during, and after treatment. A dental professional knowledgeable in oral oncology plays a vital role in cancer treatment by preventing and managing mouth sores, dental needs, oral pain and infections.
Results: Management of the patient's oral health while they are undergoing cancer treatment, is essential. Preventing and treating oral side effects can improve overall comfortability throughout the process and improve the well-being and quality of life of people battling cancer before, during and after treatment.
Conclusions: Dentists should be a key part of a multidisciplinary cancer care team. The oral oncologist communicates directly with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other team members to provide comprehensive care before, during, and after cancer treatments.
Oral oncology clinics therefore aim to assess and provide oral and dental treatment as a member of the multi-disciplinary cancer team to optimise the patient's oral health.
Methods: This clinic immediately focuses on cancer patients' oral and dental needs before, during, and after treatment. A dental professional knowledgeable in oral oncology plays a vital role in cancer treatment by preventing and managing mouth sores, dental needs, oral pain and infections.
Results: Management of the patient's oral health while they are undergoing cancer treatment, is essential. Preventing and treating oral side effects can improve overall comfortability throughout the process and improve the well-being and quality of life of people battling cancer before, during and after treatment.
Conclusions: Dentists should be a key part of a multidisciplinary cancer care team. The oral oncologist communicates directly with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other team members to provide comprehensive care before, during, and after cancer treatments.