A dental protocol for patients receiving radiation therapy for cancer of the head and neck

Dentists have a definite place on oncology teams and tumor planning boards, especially when a patient with head and neck cancer is to be treated with radiation therapy. In many instances, the dentist can support these patients more than any other health care professional. Besides fabricating appliances to support the radiotherapist, the dentist can make a wide variety of appliances to make the patient more comfortable. With a regular recall system he or she can intercept and treat the complications of head and neck radiation therapy as early as possible. The dentist can provide these patients with the information they need to understand and prevent the complications of radiation therapy. To accomplish this task, the dental oncologist requires good records from the oncologist including diagnosis, radiation dose and fields, prognosis, and other treatments planned. The dentist also needs the support of the medical and administrative staff members.