Updated guidelines on the oral and dental management of patients before, during and after cancer therapy

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with over 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths recorded worldwide in 2022. Oral complications are among the most frequent and distressing side effects of cancer therapy, affecting up to 90–100% of patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy. These complications can have a considerable impact on nutrition, speech, comfort and treatment continuity. As such, dental professionals play an essential role at every stage of the cancer care pathway, from pre-treatment optimisation and prevention through to support during cancer therapy, and also post-treatment rehabilitation and long-term monitoring.