The expanding role of dental oncology in head and neck surgery

A comprehensive dental oncologic screening should be part of the pretreatment workup of patients who have head and neck cancer. This screening should be performed by a dentist who is familiar with the pathologic process of disease and type of treatment being rendered; in addition, he or she should comprehend the various morbidities associated with eradicating head and neck malignancy. The dental oncologist must provide the timeline for the surgeon and radiation oncologist in which all necessary dental treatment will be completed. It is important at this juncture to educate the patient as to the possible short- and long-term complications, no matter what treatment course they choose. Osseointegrated implants used in the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone head and neck surgery have provided a more reliable means of retaining intraoral and extraoral prostheses. With close communication between the head and neck surgeon and dental oncologist, and careful patient selection, better functional outcomes may be provided.