- A search of the MEDLINE database and professional society websites identified 27 primary research studies, 7 systematic reviews, and 5 practice guidelines that addressed the benefits and harms of dental evaluation and treatment prior to initiating cancer chemotherapy regimens.
- Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that pre-chemotherapy dental care does not reduce the incidence of oral mucositis, but such care does appear to reduce the severity of mucositis when it occurs.
- The bulk of the remaining evidence base consists of cohort studies that compared groups of patients who did or did not receive pre-treatment dental care. The evidence from these studies suggests that pre-treatment dental care may:
- Reduce the incidence of oral infections during chemotherapy.
- Reduce the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw during and after treatment with bisphosphonates or other agents used to treat malignant bony lesions.
- The available evidence does not permit conclusions regarding the effect of pre-treatment dental care on patient survival or adherence to cancer treatment regimens.
- Four professional society guidelines have recommended pre-treatment dental care prior to cancer chemotherapy or treatments for malignant bony lesions.
- A meaningful portion of the U.S. population lacks insurance coverage for dental care and may also lack personal financial resources to pay for that care.
Hickam DH, Gordon CJ, Armstrong CE, Coen MJ, Paynter R, Helfand M. Efficacy of Dental Services for Reducing Adverse Events in Those Receiving Chemotherapy for Cancer. Rapid Response. (Prepared by the Scientific Resource Center under Contract No. 75Q80122C00002.) AHRQ Publication No. 23-EHC021. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; July 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCRAPIDDENTALCANCER. Posted final reports are located on the Effective Health Care Program search page.
