A cross-sectional observational study to evaluate oral and dental needs in treated head and neck cancer survivors

The head and neck cancer burden in India has increased substantially in recent times. The recent advances in treatment of cancer have led to increase in the survivorship. However, oral complications resulting from cancer and cancer therapies cause acute and late toxicities that may be underreported, underrecognized, and undertreated. With the increase in the life expectancy; the patient’s desire to have a optimal long-term oral health and general well-being. have also increased substantially. The oral and dental health status plays a very important role for maintaining a good quality of life assisting in mastication and swallowing of food. Although some of the acute oral toxicities of cancer therapies may be reduced, they remain essentially unavoidable. The complications associated with HNC treatment many a times lead to patients being dental cripples with inability to have a normal diet. Prevention and management are best provided via multidisciplinary health care teams, which must be integrated and communicate effectively in order to provide the best patient care in a coordinated manner at the appropriate time. This study plans to evaluate the probable long-term effects of HNC treatment on oral and dental health status in a tertiary health care center.  The resultant conclusions will help in maintaining, treating and rehabilitating HNC patients for dental professionals.