Post-Radiation Oral Health in Underserved Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Post-Radiation Oral Health in Underserved Head and Neck Cancer Patients

This is a pilot study evaluates the feasibility and outcomes of providing fluoride varnish treatment during routine cancer surveillance visits for post-radiation head and neck cancer patients with limited access to dental care.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I.To describe the baseline knowledge and access to dental care of underinsured/uninsured head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation at University California of San Francisco (UCSF) and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG).

II.To pilot and characterize the feasibility and outcomes of an in-clinic fluoride varnish dental treatment paired with routine cancer surveillance for post-radiation head and neck cancer patients who do not have reliable access to dental care

III.To develop readily accessible patient educational material for dental care after radiation treatment for HNC.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Explore barriers and facilitators to adapting an integrated preventative fluoride intervention into clinical care for HNC patients through qualitative interviews.

II. Co-design patient advocacy materials and a clinician implementation toolkit to provide a framework for adopting this intervention diverse community-based settings

Inclusion Criteria:

1. >18 years old who are uninsured or underinsured (MediCal, Healthy SF) or have full coverage.
2. Patients who have received immunotherapy or enhanced chemotherapy regimens.
3. Patients or health and dental care providers who are able to provide their own informed written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. >18 years old.
2. Patients, caregivers, health and dental care providers who are able to provide their own informed written consent.