Care of Head and Neck Cancer Patients for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists

Care of Head and Neck Cancer Patients for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists: An Advisory Guide

This accessible and practical guide equips dental hygienists, dental therapists, and allied healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer throughout their treatment journey. Covering the stages before, during, and after therapy, the book addresses the wide range of treatment modalities—including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, proton beam therapy, and transoral robotic surgery—and explores their oral and systemic implications.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Treatment Overview: Explains common cancer therapies and their oral health consequences, including halitosis, osteoradionecrosis, and radiation dermatitis.
• Multidisciplinary Insights: Highlights the role of dietitians, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals in holistic patient care.
• Early Detection & Prevention: Discusses substance misuse, lifestyle factors, and strategies for identifying oral cancer at an early stage.
• Practical Management: Provides guidance on pain control, oral care protocols, and supportive therapies tailored to cancer patients.
• Patient-Centered Focus: Encourages empathetic, informed care to improve patient quality of life during and after treatment.

Care of Head and Neck Cancer Patients for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists is an essential reference for dental professionals working in both primary and secondary care, offering clear strategies to manage complications and deliver comprehensive, compassionate support to patients facing head and neck cancer.