Understanding Dentists' Views and Experiences Managing the Oral Health of Patients With Cancers

OBJECTIVE: Research consistently demonstrates that dental involvement has a positive impact on the oral health and quality of life of cancer patients. However, little is known about Australian dentists' involvement in cancer care. This study aims to identify dentists' perspectives on the management of cancer patients' oral health. METHODS: This mixed-methods study comprised an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Dentists were eligible to participate if they were working clinically in Australia. The study included questions related to knowledge, confidence, cancer experience, perceived role and barriers to providing oral care. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, regression analysis was used to identify predictors of knowledge and confidence, and qualitative data were analysed thematically using a Framework Approach. RESULTS: Of the 88 dentists who participated in the survey, 28 also participated in telephone interviews. Fifty-six percent were female, with a mean of 20 years of clinical experience. The majority (88%) were general dentists primarily working in metropolitan areas (72%), and in private practice (67%). The majority of participants had moderate to high confidence (93%) in managing cancer patients and moderate to high cancer knowledge (86%), although only a minority (21%) reported seeing more than 10 cancer patients in the last 12 months. Recent cancer continuing education predicted the level of cancer knowledge (p = 0.015) and the number of cancer patients seen predicted confidence (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis identified four main themes that influenced patient-centred oral care: (i) scope of practice, (ii) clinical practice interest, (iii) cancer care structure, and (iv) patient-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: Despite dentists having the knowledge and confidence, the provision of oral care to cancer patients is dependent on dentists' willingness to provide care, which is influenced by their clinical interest, access to resources, and the practice set-up. Participants highlighted the need for better integration of community and hospital-based care pathways, as well as understanding the psychosocial needs of cancer patients.