The Pediatric Oncology Team’s Perception of Oral Health

Hypotheses: Providers with previous training in oral health will be more comfortable recognizing oral conditions associated with cancer. Providers who report that oral health is important will evaluate the oral cavity more frequently, refer a patient to their dentist more frequently, and has a higher level of comfort in recognizing oral conditions related to cancer. The providers' comfort level in recognizing oral health effects and belief that oral health is important in pediatric oncology patients related to cancer therapy will be increased from the pre-assessment to the post-assessment. Objective: To determine whether a training session can significantly improve providers’ perception of and comfort level assessing oral health conditions in the pediatric oncology patient. Methods: A lecture was delivered to 43 members of hematology-oncology departments at hospitals within greater Chicago. Participants completed a survey before and after the lecture to assess beliefs about oral health importance and their comfort level in assessing multiple conditions of the oral cavity. Results: The provider’s training in oral health did not significantly increase their comfort in recognizing oral conditions associated with cancer therapy. The provider’s belief that oral health was important did not significantly increase their rate of oral assessment or increase their comfort in recognizing oral conditions associated with cancer therapy, but it did significantly increase their likelihood of referral to the dentist. The providers’ comfort level in recognizing oral conditions associated with cancer therapy and belief that oral health is important increased from the pre-assessment to the post-assessment.