OBJECTIVE: This study assessed post-radiation therapy dental follow-up compliance in a population of head and neck cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 334 dental charts were retrospectively reviewed to determine the follow-up status of dentate patients. All patients were informed of the importance of returning, after completing radiotherapy, for regular follow-up dental examinations on an indefinite basis. Data regarding compliance with these follow-up instructions over time were obtained. RESULTS: Approximately 170 (51%) of the 334 dentate patients were identified as being lost to dental follow-up. The mean point in time at which follow-up failure occurred was 7.5 months after the initial preirradiation dental examination. CONCLUSION: Dental follow-up compliance may be poor in this irradiated patient population, with follow-up failures potentially occurring less than 1 year after the completion of radiotherapy. Preradiation dental care planning must take into account the likelihood of patients being lost to follow-up.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed post-radiation therapy dental follow-up compliance in a population of head and neck cancerpatients. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 334 dental charts were retrospectively reviewed to determine the follow-up status of dentate patients. All patients were informed of the importance of returning, after completing radiotherapy, for regular follow-up dental examinations on an indefinite basis. Data regarding compliance with these follow-up instructions over time were obtained. RESULTS: Approximately 170 (51%) of the 334 dentate patients were identified as being lost to dental follow-up. The mean point in time at which follow-up failure occurred was 7.5 months after the initial preirradiation dental examination. CONCLUSION: Dental follow-up compliance may be poor in this irradiated patient population, with follow-up failures potentially occurring less than 1 year after the completion of radiotherapy. Preradiation dental care planning must take into account the likelihood of patients being lost to follow-up.
Authors: M Louise Kent; Michael T Brennan; Jenene L Noll; Philip C Fox; Stuart H Burri; Jane C Hunter; Peter B Lockhart Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2007-10-27 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Jamie M Alberga; Anke Korfage; Ilse Bonnema; Max J H Witjes; Arjan Vissink; Gerry M Raghoebar Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2020-04-11 Impact factor: 3.603