Where Cancer Care Meets the Mouth
Oncology treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are essential for combating malignancies but often result in a range of challenging oral side effects. Patients frequently experience complications such as xerostomia, mucositis, and an increased susceptibility to infections.1 In this context, dental hygienists play a crucial role in mitigating these issues through preventive care, education, and collaborative treatment strategies.
Despite their valuable contributions, the expertise of dental hygienists in oncology care is often underutilized. While it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene for patients with cancer, many oncology providers may not prioritize this critical aspect in their patient management strategies. However, dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to address the oral health needs of this patient population by conducting thorough assessments, providing tailored oral hygiene instructions, and collaborating closely with oncologists and other healthcare professionals. Improved collaboration among dental hygiene practices within oncology healthcare teams leads to improved patient outcomes and fosters a more holistic approach to patient care.1
* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.
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