| |
| PROFESSIONALS
> DENTIST'S ROLE I |
|
The
Restorative Dentistry Oncology Clinics
are held at St Luke’s Hospital, Bradford
and at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, where
Dr Vinod K Joshi provides oral care and advice
before, during and after his patients' cancer
treatment.
In January 2002, Dr Joshi set up the
RDOC Mouth Cancer Awareness web site
to complement his work at the clinics.
Witnessing the web site's phenomenal
growth over the first 2 years, especially
the message
board's ability to act as a robust
online support group, convinced him
of the need to establish the Mouth Cancer
Foundation in June 2004, a not-for-profit
organisation with the intention of becoming
a registered charity. In May 2005,
the Mouth Cancer Foundation
became a registered charity No. 110929 |
After the diagnosis of oral cancer, it
is important to ensure that the diagnosed patient
receives any urgent dental care before treatment.
This will reduce the oral complications associated
with cancer treatment.
By starting preventive measures before and during
early cancer therapy, it is possible to reduce the
occurrence and the problems associated with our
patients’ cancer treatment. If this is done
it can significantly improve oral physiologic and
social functioning. Prevention of oral sequela is
much preferred to repair, both on a social and an
economic basis. The patient’s oral care and
function is an important contributor to post treatment
social adaptation and life quality. The Calman report
on cancer care emphasised the need to focus treatment
and management regimens on both longevity and quality
of life.
The general dental practitioner has an important
role to play. Dr Joshi's slides from a recent lecture
on "The Dentist's Role" are available
for viewing.
The
images may be disturbing to some viewers.
|
Due to the need for rapid dental treatment planning
and care delivery, it is mandatory for a dental
assessment and initial dental treatment plan to
be at the Restorative Dentistry Oncology Clinic.
Ideally, head and neck cancer patients should be
referred to a well-staffed specialist dental oncology
unit for their appropriate care and treatment planning.
However, the lack of manpower means that comprehensive
total dental care will be unavailable. It is unfortunate
that this has occurred. It is hoped that funding
for well staffed dental oncology clinics at cancer
centres or host hospitals will be planned for.
Until then, the service will need to depend upon
follow-up care delivered by the general dental practitioner
in collaboration with the consultant at the Restorative
Dentistry Oncology Clinic. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
