Oral health care in cancer patients: you can make a difference!

: Dentists are in a unique position to care for cancer patients before, during and after treatment. This paper outlines foundational knowledge highlighting the dentist's role in the management of patients treated with chemotherapy for various types of cancer as well as those who receive radiation therapy for cancer of the head and neck. The value of the dentist in a multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care is stressed along with specific treatment modalities to improve patient comfort and quality of life.