ORAL MUCOSITIS IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS TREATED WITH ANTINEOPLASTIC DRUGS: THE ROLE OF THE DENTAL TEAM IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Background: In pediatric oncology population, oral mucositis as a consequence of chemotherapy is a highly prevalent
complication which strongly affects both the quality of life and treatment possibilities of the patients. Still, the role of
a dental team (dentist and hygienist) is not yet central and always present during diagnosis, recovery and follow up of
these patients. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of dental team role in prevention and treatment of oral
mucositis in pediatric oncology patients.
Materials and Methods: A dental team composed by a Dentist and two hygienists has been established to be
disposable once a week rotating to the SOSD Oncoematologia Pediatrica of Azienda Ospedali Riuniti Presidio G.
Salesi from the first of September 2022 till June 2024. The members of the team carried out visits and provided
instructions of oral hygiene and tested different types of products for oral mucositis in 120 patients based on WHO
grading and Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale. At the end by a dichotomous questionnaire was asked to all 120
patients’ parents if the role of dental team in this study was appreciated and useful in prevention and treatment of oral
mucositis.
Results: Pediatric oncology patients and their parents appreciated the constant presence of a member of the dental
team. Information and oral hygiene were crucial preventing mucositis and continuous follow up allowed timely
management of this complication showing function improvement in 65.1% of cases and pain reduction in 87.15%.
Conclusions: Our experience highlights that dental team interventions positively impact. These findings suggest that
dental team role should be developed to provide better cancer care for parents and their children.