Long-Term Effects of Head and Neck Radiation on Oral Health

Because patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer are susceptible to complications affecting tissues of the oral cavity, a comprehensive understanding of side effects is pivotal to successful case management.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Explain the prevalence of head and neck cancer, as well as the estimated percentage of patients who will undergo radiation therapy and develop resulting oral complications.
2. Discuss the categorization of head and neck cancer, and common approaches to treatment.
3. List the oral complications of head and neck cancer therapy, and clinical management strategies for oral health professionals.

This course was issued in the May 2018 issue and expires 5/31/21. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.