2024-04-25 05:48:39
“The preparation of oncology patients for dental treatment differs from the treatment of healthy people, as all foci of infection must be radically eliminated. (…) Not everyone can accept those images, when a person has gone crazy after oncological treatment, sometimes they are shocking. It’s no secret that some dentists don’t want to treat such patients because they are afraid or don’t know how,” Auristida Gerliakienė, a dentist at the Head, Neck and Skin Tumors Department of the National Cancer Institute, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“It is that fear that must be overcome,” the doctor added.
As the director of the National Cancer Institute, Valdas Pečeliūnas, points out, the institute undertakes to prepare methodological material for dentists.
“The National Cancer Institute undertakes to prepare methodologies that can be broadcast to the medical community later, during conferences. We are also committed to creating an opportunity for dentists to do internships, where they can learn about the most common complications of cancer treatment related to the oral cavity,” said V. Pečeliūnas.
“Two conferences have already taken place, another conference dedicated to treatment related to oral problems should be held already this fall,” the doctor added.
On her part, the chairwoman of the Council of the Chamber of Dentists, Vilma Brukienė, points out that both individual specialists and dental clinics will be invited to the training on how to treat patients affected by oral cancer.
“The Chamber of Dentists unites more than 8.5 thousand members, including dental companies. We will invite as many company dentists as possible to join and perhaps we will find financial means so that our members will not have to pay for this internship”, said V. Brukienė.
According to the representatives of the organizations, the training of specialists will take place in a special competence center where the professional development of doctors and dentists will be carried out.
Also, the National Cancer Institute will provide methodological support and, if necessary, expert consultations, and will organize a so-called “green corridor” for oral cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients.
According to the Chamber of Dentists, 18 thousand are diagnosed in Lithuania every year. cancer cases, including more than 300 oral cancer cases. Most cases are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced.
However, as specialists point out, the National Oral Disease Prevention and Oral Cancer Prevention Programs have still not seen the light of day, and it is still difficult for cancer patients to get to a dentist.
2024-04-25 05:48:39