Dental considerations in the management of head and neck cancer patients.

The text has emphasized the need for a timely dental consult early in the process of the head and neck cancer patient's treatment. Nonrestorable diseased teeth should be removed before radiation and chemotherapy. The primary survey of the patient should include an examination of the oral cavity, noting the state of the dentition and periodontal tissues. Complications commonly seen in patient's undergoing radiotherapy,such as xerostomia, mucositis, and trismus, may be reduced and, therefore,improve the patient's quality of life. Optimizing the patient's oral health benefits the patient's postsurgical and postirradiation course. The dental health care professional can serve an important role in the overall outcome of the patient's care.