408 - Pediatric Dentist’s Role in Management of Oral Implications with Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have decreased the mortality of patients undergoing such therapies. However, there are sequelae to cancer therapy that comes with many oral manifestations. These treatments can cause short- and long-term sequelae which can affect patients’ overall quality of life. The necessary oral and dental care prior to initiation of immunosuppression and medically necessary treatment during and after immunosuppression will be discussed. An aim of this review is to isolate and describe the oral side effects arising from immunosuppressive therapy and focus on the pediatric dentist’s contribution to patient care. Commonly associated acute and chronic oral complications of chemotherapy include mucositis, pain, xerostomia, opportunistic infection, dental caries, and intraoral hemorrhage. As pediatric dentists, we have a uniquely important opportunity to individualize care and incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to address these complications through improving oral health outcomes by working with physicians, social workers, dieticians, and occupational therapists.