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. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 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.