Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Dental Treatment among Caregivers of Children with Cancer

Semi-structured interview of parents with children diagnosed with cancer was conducted to determine what perceived barriers and facilitators to dental visits are faced by this patient population. Parents of pediatric oncology patients, ages of 1-17 and diagnosed with cancer or a brain tumor within the last year participated in this study. The parents’ understanding of oral health knowledge, the child’s oral health concerns, chemotherapy oral side effects, and barriers and facilitators to dental care was investigated. Interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed for common perceived barriers and facilitators to dental treatment as expressed by the parent. Common barriers were time, lack of importance, and parental knowledge. Facilitators that were commonly expressed were the ability to coordinate medical and dental appointments, increased information and knowledge of oral health care, direct referral to a dentist on site by the oncologist, and referral to a skilled dentist. Further collaboration between oncology centers and dentists is indicated to increase parental knowledge and motivation regarding oral health care, as well as to assess barriers to dental care for the pediatric cancer patient.