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Blanchet I, Michel F, Tardieu C, Camoin A. Difficulties experienced by dentists and orthodontists regarding ethical issues when announcing the diagnosis of a rare oral disease: a qualitative study in Marseille, France. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2024; 25:169-179. [PMID: 38457081 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-024-00864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is traditionally considered that breaking bad news to patients does not represent a cause for concern for dental professionals. However, there are situations where they will be confronted with this task, as in the case of rare dental diseases. Little information is available regarding the feelings of healthcare professionals on this subject. There are no qualitative studies that explore how a diagnosis of oligodontia is announced to patients by dentists and orthodontists. The aim of our study is to explore the difficulties and ethical issues experienced by dental health professionals when they have to announce a diagnosis of oligodontia to a patient and their family. METHODS This study relied on a qualitative research method using focus groups of dentists and orthodontists and a thematic analysis procedure. RESULTS The difficulties experienced could be summarised within five topics: organisational difficulties, difficulties with the management of dental treatment and with the administrative management associated with this anomaly, difficulties with the content of the announcement, and relational difficulties. These could be grouped in two categories: practical difficulties and ethical difficulties. CONCLUSION This survey allowed us to understand the difficulties encountered by dentists and orthodontists when announcing oligodontia. The participants felt uncomfortable with this task and were under stress. They reported difficulties in delivering the medical information and in adapting to the message. It is essential that dental professionals develop skills in medical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Blanchet
- APHM Timone Hospital, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005, Marseille, France.
- Medical and Paramedical Sciences Faculty, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.
- ADES CNRS EFS, UMR 7268, Aix-Marseille University, 51 Bd Pierre Dramard, 13344, Marseille, France.
| | - F Michel
- APHM Timone Hospital, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005, Marseille, France
- Medical and Paramedical Sciences Faculty, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
- ADES CNRS EFS, UMR 7268, Aix-Marseille University, 51 Bd Pierre Dramard, 13344, Marseille, France
| | - C Tardieu
- APHM Timone Hospital, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005, Marseille, France
- Medical and Paramedical Sciences Faculty, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
- ADES CNRS EFS, UMR 7268, Aix-Marseille University, 51 Bd Pierre Dramard, 13344, Marseille, France
| | - A Camoin
- APHM Timone Hospital, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005, Marseille, France
- Medical and Paramedical Sciences Faculty, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
- ADES CNRS EFS, UMR 7268, Aix-Marseille University, 51 Bd Pierre Dramard, 13344, Marseille, France
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Arboleda LPA, Pereira TCE, Epstein JB, Migliorati CA, Warnakulasuriya S, Diniz-Freitas M, Lopes MA, Santos-Silva AR. Clinical and Psychosocial Impact of Communication about Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Scoping Review. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:209. [PMID: 37754329 PMCID: PMC10530221 DOI: 10.3390/dj11090209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering bad news has been widely studied in cancer, thus, this scoping review aims to identify the available evidence concerning the communication of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and their clinical and psychosocial impacts. A search was performed using electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) and one grey literature database (Google Scholar). Studies focused on communicating the diagnosis of OPMDs and the patients' perceptions were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two authors in a two-phase process. Five publications were included in the qualitative analysis. Differences regarding the study design, population, OPMDs assessed, and outcomes of professional-patient communication were found in each study. Protocols for OPMD communication have not yet been reported and there is a need to standardize strategies as communication skills may provide better clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with potentially malignant disorders. Although future studies are needed, a brief list recommending the aspects that must be communicated is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lady P. A. Arboleda
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil; (L.P.A.A.); (T.C.E.P.); (M.A.L.)
- Graduate Program, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01508-020, SP, Brazil
| | - Thaís C. E. Pereira
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil; (L.P.A.A.); (T.C.E.P.); (M.A.L.)
| | - Joel B. Epstein
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Health System, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Cesar A. Migliorati
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA;
| | - Saman Warnakulasuriya
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Oral Cancer and Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, Londos WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Márcio Diniz-Freitas
- Medical-Surgical Dentistry Research Group (OMEQUI), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Marcio A. Lopes
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil; (L.P.A.A.); (T.C.E.P.); (M.A.L.)
| | - Alan R. Santos-Silva
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil; (L.P.A.A.); (T.C.E.P.); (M.A.L.)
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Nnate DA, Nashwan AJ. Emotional Intelligence and Delivering Bad News in Professional Nursing Practice. Cureus 2023; 15:e40353. [PMID: 37456491 PMCID: PMC10339355 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering bad news often impacts nurses' emotional well-being and relationships with patients. However, most practice models do not offer a sufficient solution to the distress and reduced job satisfaction that may thus arise. This paper offers a critique of theoretical frameworks for breaking bad news in clinical settings, with the aim of highlighting the inadequate evidence available to guide nursing practice with regard to managing the emotional burden of breaking bad news. Firstly, the concept of emotional intelligence is introduced, followed by an overview of the impact of delivering bad news on the psychological well-being of healthcare workers. Several models for delivering bad news in clinical practice were then presented to emphasise the lack of evidence regarding ways of mitigating the burden associated with breaking bad news. Key components of emotional intelligence are highlighted to increase awareness of this factor among nurses and enable them to improve their interpersonal skills to mitigate the impact of breaking bad news. Enabling nurses to develop emotional self-awareness before utilising these frameworks will likely lead to increased nurse retention rates and improve reflective practice and communication skills, which could, in turn, strengthen nurse-patient relationships and subsequent care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Nnate
- Urgent Care Division, Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, GBR
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Alves CGB, Ribeiro ACP, Brandão TB, Tonaki JO, Pedroso CM, Rivera C, Epstein JB, Migliorati CA, Kowalski LP, Mak MP, Castro G, Lopes MA, Santos-Silva AR. Patient's perceptions of oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis disclosure: communication aspects based on SPIKES protocol. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022; 135:518-529. [PMID: 36740563 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breaking bad medical news is a complex task of clinical practice. The manner in which this is done has a significant impact on patients. This study aimed to assess patient's perceptions regarding oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis disclosure according to the "SPIKES" protocol. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire with 21 SPIKES-based items. The questionnaire was administered to 100 patients with recently diagnosed oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who evaluated each item according to their preference and experience. RESULTS Nineteen items showed a significant difference between patient's preference and recalled experience. Eighteen of these items showed lower experience scores primarily related to the amount of information desired by patients, presence of a companion, time to express feelings, and summary of information. Most patients preferred receiving as much information as possible about the diagnosis. However, only 35% reported that they had obtained sufficient information. Patients who were aware of cancer diagnostic suspicion had better communication experiences. CONCLUSIONS Protocols may be useful to guide health professionals to support patient-centered strategies to disclose oral cancer diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina G B Alves
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology Area, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Dental Oncology Service, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School (ICESP-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Prado Ribeiro
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology Area, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Dental Oncology Service, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School (ICESP-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaís Bianca Brandão
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology Area, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Dental Oncology Service, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School (ICESP-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana O Tonaki
- Psychology Service, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School (ICESP-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caique Mariano Pedroso
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology Area, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - César Rivera
- Oral Medicine and Pathology Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca (UTALCA), Talca, Maule Region, Chile
| | - Joel B Epstein
- Cedars-Sinai Health System, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Luiz Paulo Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena Perez Mak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School (ICESP-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Castro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School (ICESP-FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio Ajudarte Lopes
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology Area, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alan Roger Santos-Silva
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Semiology Area, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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A Journey toward Immediate Denture: Overcoming Bitter Reality with Psychotherapy. Case Rep Dent 2022; 2022:3080039. [PMID: 35928397 PMCID: PMC9345724 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3080039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of teeth affects the aesthetics, function (mastication and speech), confidence, mental state, and the overall quality of life of an individual. Aggressive periodontitis is a destructive condition leading to loss of teeth at early stages of the disease. Individuals facing this inevitable condition of losing the teeth and replacement at a younger age experience formidable psychological distress. The prosthodontic procedure when supported with psychotherapeutic interventions can support the patient in accepting the prognosis and treatment. We report the scenario where psychological intervention was provided in a systematic manner adopting the SPIKES protocol for a 42-year-old man presenting with aggressive periodontitis.
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Rasmus P, Kozłowska E, Robaczyńska K, Pękala K, Timler D, Lipert A. Evaluation of emergency medical services staff knowledge in breaking bad news to patients. J Int Med Res 2020. [PMCID: PMC7290272 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520918699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge of breaking bad news (BBN) among medical personnel in the emergency medical services (EMS). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 148 individuals employed in EMS. An interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Results Of study participants, 89.2% were not aware of any formal BBN procedure and 58.1% had not participated in any form of training. Compared with males, females were more likely to report that dealing with the emotional state of the family or the patient was the most difficult aspect of BBN. Only a few participants were aware of the SPIKES protocol for BBN, and none knew what the acronym meant. Sex, educational level, occupation, work experience and workplace were not associated with knowledge of BBN procedures. Conclusions Knowledge of BBN in both male and female EMS staff was insufficient. EMS personnel held different opinions about the method of BBN. Even staff who have participated in specific BBN training or have extensive professional experience were pessimistic about BBN skills in self-assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Rasmus
- Department of Medical Psychology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kozłowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Pękala
- Department of Medical Psychology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Timler
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Lipert
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Strategies for communicating oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis: why talk about it? Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2019; 129:347-356. [PMID: 31928903 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to explore the paradigms of disclosing a cancer diagnosis with a focus on oral and oropharyngeal cancer and patient-related considerations. STUDY DESIGN A search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was conducted using the following keywords: oral cancer; mouth lesions; oncology; breaking bad news; truth disclosure; and communication skills training. English and Spanish language studies published through October 2019 were included. RESULTS The way bad news is conveyed to patients with cancer may affect their comprehension of information, emotional distress, treatment adherence, and health outcomes. Models of communication that are focused on patients' preferences may result in better treatment outcomes. Available protocols, such as SPIKES and ABCDE, have useful recommendations for health care professionals communicating an oral cancer diagnosis. However, it is important to be attentive to the particular information needs of patients. CONCLUSIONS When communicating a cancer diagnosis, providers should employ validated methods of information delivery and support for oncology patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the experiences and preferences of patients with oral cancer during these communications.
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Singer RH, Feaster DJ, Stoutenberg M, Hlaing WM, Pereyra M, Abel S, Pollack H, Gellman MD, Schneiderman N, Metsch LR. Dentists' willingness to screen for cardiovascular disease in the dental care setting: Findings from a nationally representative survey. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2019; 47:299-308. [PMID: 30908721 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dental clinics offer an untapped health care setting to expand access to screening and early identification of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study examined the correlates of dentists' willingness to provide CVD screening in the dental care setting. METHODS Private practice and public health general dentists in the U.S. participated in a nationally representative survey from 2010 to 2011. The survey examined dentists' willingness to provide a finger stick test to support CVD screening and agreement that their professional role should include CVD screening. RESULTS Data analysed from 1802 respondents indicated that 46.6% of dentists were willing to provide CVD screening. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of dentists' willingness to screen for CVD was associated with currently screening for hypertension (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.01, 2.20), screening for obesity (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17, 2.36) and agreement that their role as health care professionals includes CVD screening (AOR = 3.03, 95% CI 2.15, 4.29). Dentists' agreement that their role includes CVD screening was associated with self-rated knowledge of CVD (good vs none or limited) and CVD training during their professional education (5 to 8 hours of training vs none or limited), (AOR = 5.75, 95% CI 2.26, 14.62) and (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI 2.17, 6.80), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights strategies that may be employed to expand future access to early detection of CVD risk. Including CVD screening instruction and clinical screening experiences in dental school curriculum may serve as catalysts to reshape the future scope of dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Singer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Mark Stoutenberg
- Department of Health & Human Performance, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
| | - WayWay M Hlaing
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Margaret Pereyra
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Stephen Abel
- School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Harold Pollack
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marc D Gellman
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Neil Schneiderman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Griner SB, Thompson EL, Vamos CA, Chaturvedi AK, Vazquez-Otero C, Merrell LK, Kline NS, Daley EM. Dental opinion leaders' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HPV-related prevention. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:1856-1862. [PMID: 30735476 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1565261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests a causal connection between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are increasing and are the most common HPV-associated cancer. Previous research suggests that dental professionals recognize a role in the prevention of HPV and oropharyngeal cancers. As an initial step to investigating effective mechanisms of incorporating HPV prevention into dental practices, including the HPV vaccine, this qualitative study explored dental opinion leaders' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HPV-related prevention in the dental profession. Dental opinion leaders were identified through: (1) national professional organizations and advocacy groups, (2) by indication of an expert panel, and (3) focus groups conducted with oral health providers. Thirteen participants representing 11 organizations were interviewed via telephone. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically coded using a priori and emergent codes. Opinion leaders described multi-level factors influencing dental providers' HPV-related prevention practice behaviors. Barriers included HPV as a sensitive topic and the need for HPV-related education and skills. Facilitators included perceptions of HPV prevention as part of the dental providers' role and the potential development of passive educational methods to provide HPV-related information to patients. Opinion leaders reported dental providers have a role in the prevention of HPV and oropharyngeal cancer; yet, to fully incorporate this topic into their practice, dental providers need further education and skill-based training. Opinion leaders have significant role in shaping this topic as a priority and identifying potential interventions to assist dental providers' HPV-related prevention. Future research should maximize the role of opinion leaders as key change agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey B Griner
- a College of Public Health, University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Erika L Thompson
- b Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center , Fort Worth , TX , USA
| | - Cheryl A Vamos
- a College of Public Health, University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Anil K Chaturvedi
- c National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, NCI Shady Grove , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | | | - Laura K Merrell
- d Department of Health Sciences, James Madison University , Harrisonburg , VA , USA
| | - Nolan S Kline
- e Department Anthropology, Rollins of College , Winter Park , FL , USA
| | - Ellen M Daley
- a College of Public Health, University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
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Epstein JB, Güneri P, Barasch A. Appropriate and necessary oral care for people with cancer: guidance to obtain the right oral and dental care at the right time. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:1981-8. [PMID: 24676676 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The identification of experienced and knowledgeable dental specialists to provide appropriate oral care for cancer patients, as well as the integration of this care within general oncology management, may be a challenge. This paper discusses the general and additional requirements for dental care providers to support the cancer patient and provide prevention and/or treatment for oral complications of cancer therapy. METHODS We performed a literature review of specific issues regarding the oral cavity and adjacent structures in the cancer patient, including detection and early diagnosis of oral malignancy. We incorporated the systemic effects of cancer and its therapy that affect oral disease and treatment. We present a summary of how to seek expert dental care for cancer patients and for referral from the dental and medical community. RESULTS Due to the complexity conferred by the disease and its treatment, cancer patients require educated, experienced dentists for treatment and/or prevention of oral-related morbidity. Correct diagnosis and evidence-based prophylactic and therapeutic oral care can significantly improve patient quality of life and reduce morbidity and healthcare costs. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge and expertise of dental professionals regarding prevention/treatment of complications and secondary malignant lesions in cancer patients are critical. Integration of oral care with the oncology care and in survivors requires effective communication between dental and medical providers beginning ideally at diagnosis. These clinicians may be identified at the cancer center, nearby hospital dental programs, and, less commonly, in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel B Epstein
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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