A systematic review of dentists' knowledge, perception, practice and confidence in managing patients with cancers

Little is known about dentists' preparedness in managing oral side effects in patients undergoing cancer therapy (CTx). The purpose of this systematic review is to identify barriers and facilitators of dentists in managing oral health of cancer patients (CPs).

The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was Prospero registered (CRD42022333055). CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus databases were searched using keywords and MeSH terms: dentists, oral health, cancer. The outcomes were analysed descriptively and thematically.

Of the 2303 articles screened 53 met eligibility criteria. Most of articles (n = 50) reported on head and neck cancer (HNC) management. Dentists' oral cancer (OC) knowledge varied across studies (27% to 81%, n = 35). Regardless of their knowledge level, the majority of dentists expressed interest in further cancer education. Across studies, dentists perceived that their role included providing dental treatment for OC patients. However, of the few studies (n = 3) that explored dentists' confidence in managing CPs, less than half of dentists felt confident providing advice to patients with HNC. More barriers than facilitators are identified in providing dental care provision to CPs.

This review demonstrates gap in dental care for patients with non-HNCs and highlights a need for methods to involve dentists in managing dental health of CPs.