A national survey of restorative consultants' treatment provision for head and neck oncology patients

Abstract

Aim: To investigate current UK practices in the treatment of head and neck oncology patients by consultants in restorative dentistry.

Method: A postal questionnaire requesting details of surgical and restorative head and neck oncology care from diagnosis to oral rehabilitation was circulated to all 315 consultants in restorative dentistry in the UK. If a reply was not received within 12 weeks a follow up was sent.

Results: One hundred and thirty-two (43%) completed questionnaires were returned. On average 46% of respondents treated head and neck oncology patients, this varied with geographical location. Sixty percent of consultants' weekly workload was less than 25% oncology related, while 13% indicated more than 75%. Of the cohort providing oncology care only 12% thought there was always time for dental screening pre-radiotherapy, furthermore 67% had difficulty liaising with primary care. Within the UK great variety existed between attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings, dental care professional support, and provision of dental implant reconstruction including timing, manufacturer, operator, and funding.

Conclusion: Significant variation in dental input into head and neck oncology patients' pathways exists, most notably with pre-radiotherapy screening. This study highlights a change in trend for patient rehabilitation with dental implants, and an increase to 52% of restorative dentistry consultants' attendance during a multidisciplinary team meeting.