Assessing Feasibility and Effectiveness of Pediatric Dental Provider’s Role in Oral Health and Prevention Education in the Care of Children with Leukemia

Purpose: Pediatric dentists could serve a role in care of children with leukemia. Oral sequelae of cancer therapies are well documented. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the pediatric dentist in the care of patients with leukemia. Methods: Pediatric Hematol...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Rustin, Hannah
Format: Others
Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2018
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Online Access:https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/5310
https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6411&context=etd
Description
Summary:Purpose: Pediatric dentists could serve a role in care of children with leukemia. Oral sequelae of cancer therapies are well documented. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the pediatric dentist in the care of patients with leukemia. Methods: Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University was educated on the proposed protocol and administered a questionnaire to assess feasibility of implementing prevention education by the pediatric dentist. Patients were randomized into two groups at diagnosis: one receiving current oral health protocol and those receiving one-on-one prevention education with the pediatric dentist at three points during treatment. Data was collected through clinical intraoral examination and salivary sample. Results: All respondents reported this would address a known problem for patients. They agreed it is feasible and would be a valuable addition to care of these patients. Subject recruitment is ongoing for the effectiveness portion of the study. Conclusion: The addition of the pediatric dentist to the pediatric oncology care team is warranted and feasible.