(63) Say Cheese! Dental Screening in a Pediatric Multidisciplinary Survivorship Clinic

Title: Say Cheese! Dental Screening in a Pediatric Multidisciplinary Survivorship Clinic

Abstract : Basis of Inquiry
Childhood cancer treatment increases the risk for dental health problems. Survivors are at risk for disconnecting from dental providers during therapy due to the complexities of treatment. Studies also show dental visits are delayed or absent after treatment ends.

Purpose/Objectives
Survivorship clinics are positioned to provide quality dental health education and address the importance of screening. A dental screening process was implemented in a multidisciplinary survivorship clinic setting as a strategy to increase education, access to dental care and follow-up for survivors.

Methods
The Next Steps (NS) Survivorship Program has a bi-monthly clinic for pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant survivors. This includes a dental resident who attends one clinic a month. The nurse coordinator performs a pre-clinic phone call to patients and families one week before the scheduled clinic date. This documented phone call includes screening questions created in collaboration with the dental team. Patients are provided the Children’s Oncology Group Health Link, “Dental Health after Cancer Treatment,” as standard written dental education. Additional information and recommendations are given by a dental resident. An excel database is maintained to track patients.
Findings or Outcomes
From July 2024 to January 2025, there were 12 NS Clinic dates and 37 scheduled patients. A dental resident was present at 42% of those visits resulting in 54% of scheduled patients having access to dental care. A dental resident examined and provided education to 25% of scheduled patients and 8% were found to have cavities. Reasons patients did not see a dental resident included resident availability, cost, existing established dentist, and no pre-clinic questionnaire screening. Incorporating a dental resident showed an increase in screening, access to dental care, and education on this topic. Future considerations will be to survey for acceptability and feasibility of a permanent dental resident.