The dentist as a member of the palliative care team

Palliative care is the knowledgeable and compassionate care of the dying patient. Although based on an holistic multidisciplinary philosophy, it does not usually include dentistry in its team approach. Many terminally ill patients have oral problems resulting from anti-cancer therapy and/or poor oral care during lengthy illnesses that require therapeutic intervention. By incorporating dentistry into the palliative care team, the dental needs of the dying patient will be managed more effectively.