Oral health implications in patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Aim or purpose: This research aims to examine the supportive dental needs of patients with head and neck cancer by focusing on access to dental care, oral health impact and subsequent quality of life implications. Methods: This acute cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 4 months at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria, Australia. The study included a questionnaire with demographic questions as well the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the option to take part in an interview. A semi-structured interview further explored the QoL of consenting participants. Ethics approval was obtained from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre's Human Research Ethics Committee. Results: 60% of patients had seen a dentist before cancer treatment with 32% of them receiving specific advice of how to manage their mouth during their cancer journey. A significant number of participants (36%) did not see a dentist after treatment.Qualitative data from the interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Conclusion: The research was able to highlight that not all patients have the same level of access to dental care following cancer treatment. The findings are likely to provide a platform on which current protocols can be improved for the management of HNC patients.