Current practice in dental oncology in the U.K

The clinical management of cancer patients, particularly where it affects the head and neck, may result in short- and long-term complications. Specialist management of the dental sequelae of cancer is often recognized nowadays by the term'Dental Oncology' Members of the dental team play a vital role in preventing and promptly managing such complications and all dental professionals should have a sound understanding and knowledge of the oral implications of cancer therapy and their management, and the contribution of this to the patient's quality of life.

This article offers the dental team an overview of the impact of cancer therapy and strategies for preventing and managing the oral side-effects of cancer therapy prior to, during, and beyond cancer treatment.