Genesis of a novel pediatric oncodental team in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objectives Traditionally, oral health maintenance of patients diagnosed with a cancerous condition relied mainly on the patients themselves and the bedside nurses. Limited overlap of medical and dental expertise and curbed dental resources in typical oncology units baffles access to optimal dental care for children with cancer. Here, we outline the creation of a novel pediatric oncodental team to address this predicament by furnishing primary prevention strategies for high-risk patients in a multispecialty center. To form an interdisciplinary team and implement a novel system aimed at optimizing oral health care for inpatient pediatric oncology patients in a hospital setting, and to study the effect of primary prevention on pediatric oncology patients after primary health education and oral hygiene demonstration by a pediatric dentist. Material and Methods After the genesis of a novel pediatric oncodental team, this prospective longitudinal one-group (pre- and post) study assessed fifty-three 3-13-year-old inpatients undergoing treatment at a cancer super specialty institution. Primary health education was imparted to the participants, their caretaker, nurses, and the paramedical staff, along with giving case-specific oral hygiene maintenance modification measures. Oral hygiene status was recorded at baseline and 1, 3, and 6-month follow-up. Results The results demonstrated a significant plummeting in the OHIS score at 1, 3, and 6 months as compared to baseline, proving evidently that oncodental role can potentially be an emerging arm of pediatric dentistry. Conclusion Conceding the importance of oral health for pediatric oncology patients and restraints in the traditional approaches, the role of the pediatric dentist in the oncodental team represents an innovative solution. By integrating oncology and dental specialties, the team aims to improve oral health outcomes, reduce the risk of infection, and provide better support and education for patients and caregivers