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INITIATIVE > BACKGROUND |
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The
Restorative Dentistry Oncology Clinics
are held at St Luke’s Hospital, Bradford
and at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, where
Dr Vinod K Joshi provides oral care and advice
before, during and after his patients' cancer
treatment.
In January 2002, Dr Joshi set up the
RDOC Mouth Cancer Awareness web site
to complement his work at the clinics.
Witnessing the web site's phenomenal
growth over the first 2 years, especially
the message
board's ability to act as a robust
online support group, convinced him
of the need to establish the Mouth Cancer
Foundation in June 2004, a not-for-profit
organisation with the intention of becoming
a registered charity. In May 2005,
the Mouth Cancer Foundation
became a registered charity No. 110929
The Mouth Cancer Foundation
web site aims to help patients, carers
and health professionals find free information
on mouth cancers easily. It provides
direct links to the relevant sections
of existing cancer sites and includes
patient experiences
as well as an online
support group. |
Dr Joshi, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, is
the specialist maxillo-facial prosthodontist and
specialist periodontist for the clinic. In Bradford,
he is supported by Mrs Jenny Behrendt, dental hygienist,
Miss Maxine Lockyer, dental nurse, and Mr Richard
Hardcastle, maxillo-facial technician.
In Wakefield, he is supported by Mrs Jan Golding,
dental nurse, and Ms Vicky Leach, maxillo-facial
technician. Specialist treatment is provided in
conjunction with local dentists who provides routine
restorative dental care of a non-specialized nature
for their patients under advice from the consultant.
Many oral cancer patients will be treated with radiation
therapy to the head and neck area. A substantial
number will suffer clinically significant short
and long-term oral adverse effects. Severe problems
in the mouth can occur after radiation therapy for
head and neck cancer. Oral complications can also
arise from chemotherapy. These oral problems may
make it difficult for a patient to receive all of
his or her cancer treatment. Sometimes treatment
must be stopped completely.
The most important risk factors of oral complications
of cancer therapy are oral or dental disease that
already exists, poor oral care during cancer therapy,
and any factor that affects the mouth tissues. Oral
problems that already exist, such as periodontitis,
caries, failing restorative work (such as crowns,
or fillings), and dentures may increase the risk
of infection. Areas where the gums or tissues are
irritated can lead to ulceration in the mouth. By
starting preventive measures before and during early
cancer therapy, it is possible to reduce the occurrence
and the problems associated with cancer treatment.
Oral cancer patients require urgent dental care
before and after cancer treatment. The Restorative
Dental Oncology Clinic service is an attempt to
meet these needs.
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