An assessment of the oral health status and dental care treatment needs of oncology patients receiving bone modifying agents.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status and dental care treatment need of oncology patients receiving bone modifying agents (BMAs).

STUDY

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in oncology patients. Their oral health status was assessed and dental care treatment needs were completed prior to commencing a BMA. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify certain characteristics which may highlight risk factors for dental disease and dental treatment needs.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients were assessed, with a mean age of 61.5 years (standard deviation [SD] = 11.75 years). Breast cancer was the most common cancer (n = 96). Sixty-five patients (43.3%) did not have a dentist. The mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was 17.68 (SD = 7.85) and 145 patients (97%) had periodontal disease. Eighty-six restorations were placed and 188 teeth were extracted. One hundred forty-seven patients (98%) achieved dental fitness. Statistical analysis found a significant result for a periodontal extraction and increasing age, which increased by 21.2% every 10 years (P = .0239). Patients who did not have a dentist required 67.5% more restorations and a current smoker was 3.4 times as likely to require an extraction due to periodontal disease (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the vulnerability of this cohort due to their dental treatment needs. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol YEAR;VOL:page range).