Dental management of oncological patients: results of analysis of surveying practicing doctors

Introduction. Malignant tumors of the oropharyngeal area hold a significant place in overall oncological morbidity. In most cases, they are diagnosed at later stages which worsens treatment prognosis. One of the key factors of late diagnosis is low oncological awareness of dentists. The absence of a streamlined action algorithm for suspicions of malignant process, as well as insufficient knowledge on principles of dental management of oncological patients, are also significant problems. The observed trend towards an increase in malignant tumors of the mouth morbidity and mortality determines the necessity analyzing their risk factors and developing strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and improved treatment of this pathology.
Aim. To analyze the questionnaire answers from dentists and determination of future strategies for development of dental management of oncological patients.
Materials and methods. Between 2023 and 2024, at the Department of General and Clinical Dentistry named after V. S. Dmitrieva of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, anonymous survey of dentists of all specialties on the problems of oncological awareness and dental management of patients with malignant tumors of the oropharyngeal area was performed. The questionnaire included 15 questions aimed at evaluation of doctors» competence in the areas of diagnosis, dental treatment and management tactics of patients with oncological diseases.
Results. Results of the survey showed that the majority of responders are aware of clinical manifestations of oncological diseases. Many of the surveyed doctors admitted to gaps in knowledge relating to early diagnosis and methods of treatment of this pathology. Additionally, non-compliance with diagnosis timelines and patient routing in cases of suspected malignant tumors were found.
Conclusion. Results of the survey of dentists on the problems of oncological awareness and dental management of patients with malignant tumors showed that the knowledge of the majority of specialists is insufficient. This demonstrates the necessity of improving educational programs, including at the level of postgraduate education, as a part of interdisciplinary approach to improving the quality of treatment of oncological diseases.

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