Purpose
Dental care after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment is crucial to maintaining oral
health and preventing/treating oral complications. This survey investigated the experiences
and barriers to dental care post–radiation therapy (RT).
Methods
Participants of the Clinical Registry of Dental Outcomes in patients with head and
neck cancer (OraRad) were surveyed at approximately 4 years post-RT. Participants
completed a 20-question survey which assessed perceptions of dental care and education,
barriers to receiving care, and ongoing physical symptoms post-RT.
Results
One hundred fifty-three of the 505 available OraRad participants completed the survey.
Almost all of the respondents (n = 141; 92%) either strongly agreed or agreed that
they understand the effects of cancer and its treatment on the teeth, mouth, and jaws.
The majority (n = 119; 80%) strongly agreed or agreed that their dentist provided
them with information on how to keep teeth, mouth, and jaws healthy after treatment.
Most participants reported dry mouth (n = 114; 75%). Other sequelae were problems
swallowing (n = 57; 38%), dental caries (n = 33; 22%), and difficulty keeping their
mouth open during dental procedures (n = 26; 17%).
Conclusions
The OraRad respondents reported few barriers to dental care post-HNC treatment. Patients
continue to suffer oral/maxillofacial side effects of radiation treatment, most notably
xerostomia.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 12, 2022
Accepted:
November 23,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 19,
2022
Received:
May 26,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
