Journal of Dental School

Vol. 44 No. 1 (2026)

Knowledge and Practice of Iranian Dentists on Oral Management of Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Treatments Dentists’ Knowledge on Oral Management of Cancer Therapies

Journal of Dental School, Vol. 44 No. 1 (2026), 29 December 2025 , Page e4
https://doi.org/10.22037/jds.v44i1.47348

Abstract

Objective(s): Various treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, are employed for managing malignant oral tumors. This study aimed to assess dentists’ knowledge and practice regarding considerations for patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a valid and reliable questionnaire completed by 250 general dentists at an annual national dental congress in 2019. Besides background questions, the questionnaire included items assessing dentists’ knowledge on managing patients undergoing radiotherapy (10 questions) and chemotherapy (12 questions), and whether they admit such patients. Results: Of 250 dentists (50% male; mean age: 45.1 ± 12 years), 126 (50%) reported experience treating patients undergoing radiotherapy/chemotherapy; 68% accepted such patients, 16% did not, and 8% referred them. Knowledge about radiotherapy considerations varied, with 77% correctly identifying poor-prognosis lesions, but only 34% aware of implant placement timing post-radiotherapy. Older dentists showed lower knowledge (p<0.001), while female dentists (p=0.005) and those with relevant experience exhibited higher knowledge (p<0.001). Similar trends occurred for chemotherapy-related knowledge: older dentists had lower knowledge (p<0.001), female dentists (p=0.002), and experienced dentists had higher knowledge (p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure optimal dental care for patients undergoing radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Enhancing dental school training and continuous professional development can empower dentists to confidently treat these vulnerable patients. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving outcomes, equitable access, and proactive management of oncology-related oral health challenges.

Keywords:
  • Radiotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Dentists
  • Patient Care
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms

How to Cite

Ghasemi, H., Namdari, M., & Mahmoudi Anzabi, R. (2025). Knowledge and Practice of Iranian Dentists on Oral Management of Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Treatments: Dentists’ Knowledge on Oral Management of Cancer Therapies. Journal of Dental School, 44(1), e4. https://doi.org/10.22037/jds.v44i1.47348

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