Oral health status of head and neck oncology patients undergoing pre-radiotherapy dental assessment: a 12-month retrospective study

Background and aim: To determine the oral health status, and urgent treatment needs, of dentate head and neck cancer (HANC) patients undergoing pre-radiotherapy dental assessment in Northern Ireland. Methods: Dental records of patients who had previously attended the Centre for Dentistry, Belfast, in 2019, were reviewed. Clinical and radiological data relating to the pre-radiotherapy dental assessment of dentate HANC patients prior to radiation treatment were examined. Analysis was conducted for the entire calendar year of 2019. Results: A total of 134 dentate HANC patients attended for pre-radiotherapy dental assessment in 2019. The average age of the patient cohort was 60 years. The age range was 31-81 years. 67.2% of patients were male and 32.8% were female. Approximately half (52.2%) of patients were aged 60 years or older. Just over two-thirds (69.4%) were registered with a general dental practitioner. Regarding pre-radiotherapy dental status, approximately two-thirds (68.7%) of patients were diagnosed with dental caries. Those with dental caries, had a mean number of 3.4 carious teeth. Approximately three-quarters (74.6%) of pre-radiotherapy patients had periodontitis. Furthermore, the presence of apical pathology was noted in 51.5% of patients. More than half (55.2%) required at least one dental extraction, with an average of 4.2 teeth removed per patient. Dental restorations were required for a quarter (26.9%) of patients and 5.2% needed root canal treatment. Conclusions: Dentistry plays an important role in the HANC multidisciplinary team. During the calendar year of 2019, dentate HANC patients presented with significant dental disease and treatment need in Northern Ireland. Early dental assessment, and intervention, is necessary to improve patient outcomes. Advice on prevention forms a vital role in management of HANC patients.