Dental Rehabilitative Oncology

Dental Oncology is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental and oral effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or head and neck surgery. The discipline is concerned with examining patients before they undergo stem cell and bone marrow transplants, anti-resorptive medicines (including bisphosphonates), chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Furthermore, dental oncologists provide ongoing care throughout and after cancer treatment. Dental oncologists not only provide general dental care, including restorative dentistry, but they also treat and manage dental and oral side effects and complications of cancer treatment, such as mouth sores, thrush, and dry mouth. Dental Rehabilitative Oncology also includes Maxillofacial Prosthodontic Rehabilitation.

Learning Objectives

• The certificate program teaches students how to educate and screen patients for oral malignant illnesses and cancer.

• For oral rehabilitation before beginning any cancer treatment (surgery/chemotherapy/radiation/immunotherapy/bone marrow transplant/organ transplant).

• Prevent, control, and treat odontogenic infections in cancer patients.

• Using a multidisciplinary approach, restore lost functions such as mastication, phonation, aesthetics, and psychological comforts.

• Maxillofacial prosthodontics is used to restore mouth cavity functionality following cancer therapy.

• To treat cancer-related oro-dental problems.

• To communicate efficiently with the relevant doctors and paramedical personnel.

• To improve their research ideologies and techniques.

Aim of the course

• To provide state-of-the-art training to enable oral care for cancer patients.

• To qualify dentists aspiring to pursue a career in an Oncology Centre.