Name: Medically Complex Patients Series [3] "Dental Fitness” and Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Start: 2025-02-23T04:29:49+13:00
End: 2025-02-23T04:29:49+13:00
Location: Medically Complex Patients Series [3] "Dental Fitness” and Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

In todays' evolving healthcare landscape, dentists play a crucial role in the management of medically complex patients. Providing comprehensive and compassionate care requires an understanding of each patient's needs, including any related medical conditions. This webinar series will explore a number of topics aimed at giving practical advice for dentists to navigate the challenges of treating patients with diverse medical needs in dental practice.

Learning outcomes

Attendees will understand oral cancer in NZ (brief demographic profile, risk factors, and the common types of oral cancer) and be aware of the treatment modalities for oral cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemo-radiation. Importantly, attendees will understand and implement the nuances of getting patients dentally fit prior to their oral cancer treatment; confidently provide dental treatment before and during cancer treatment; and assist their patients to maintain optimal oral health after their oral cancer treatment. This knowledge will include reading radiotherapy field diagrams, performing dental extractions in irradiated fields, indications for prescribing pentoxyfiline and tochopherol or recommending hyperbaric oxygen; managing xerostomia and preventive dentistry strategies. With this knowledge, attendees will be able to confidently support patients attending their practice with their cancer journey.

Speaker

Dr Graeme Ting BDS, MDS, MSc, DABSCD, FICD, FRACDS (Special Needs)

Graeme is a Special Care Dentistry specialist who has previously worked for Auckland District Health Board; King’s College Hospital, London; and the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago. Graeme is a Diplomate of the Special Care Dentistry Association, USA (with recognised proficiency in Hospital Dentistry) and has a special interests in caring for patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment and the care of older people with dementia. Graeme currently works for NZDA as Director – Clinical Governance, and is a locum consultant in Special Care Dentistry at Hutt Hospital.