The participation of Ontario oral and maxillofacial surgeons in oral, lip and oropharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Oral, lip and oropharyngeal cancer accounts for up to 75% of head and neck cancers. Dental professionals contribute to improved treatment outcomes through early detection of these cancers. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) are trained to participate in numerous phases of care for patients with oral, lip and oropharyngeal cancer. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the participation of Ontario OMFS in various phases of oral, lip and oropharyngeal cancer care. METHODS: A survey assessing participation of Ontario OMFS in screening, education, prevention, diagnosis, surgical oncology, reconstruction and rehabilitation of patients with oral, lip and oropharyngeal cancer was conducted in January and February 2013. RESULTS: Of the 210 OMFS registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, 191 were contacted, and 95 (49.7%) responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 98.9% were involved in cancer screening, 96.8% were involved in prevention and early intervention (monitoring and treatment) of premalignant lesions and 94.7% participated in diagnosis and staging. Early stage oral, lip and oropharyngeal cancer was managed surgically by 44.1% of the respondents, while 6.4% managed late-stage disease. Oral rehabilitation was managed by 77.7% of respondents. CONCLUSION: OMFS are an integral part of all phases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer care including primary surgical oncology in Ontario. Dental professionals can help improve outcomes of this care through early identification of cancer using surveillance examinations at all routine dental visits. This early detection contributes directly to disease-free survival and quality of life.