Aims

General dental practitioners (GDPs) are likely to encounter patients who have suspected oral cancer or have been affected by this disease. GDPs have a vital and proactive role in the support and management of patients with oral cancer for routine dental care in liaison with the restorative consultant. This presentation will give practical advice for GDPs and their teams in the long-term care of these patients.

Objectives

Topics covered include:

• The importance of early detection of oral cancer by recognising signs and symptoms of oral cancers.
• The complications from surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in relation to oral cancers.
• The dental management of patients with oral cancer before, during and after cancer therapy.

Outcomes

On completion you will be familiar with the challenges presented in the dental management of patients with oral cancer and strategies for addressing them.