Dentist-led systematic oral education programs in the prevention of radiation-induced oral toxicities in patients with head and neck cancer (BRIGHT): A randomized clinical trial.
Randomized trial shows dentist-led oral health education significantly lowers oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer, indicating improved patient care.
Key Points
Evaluate the effectiveness of dentist-led oral health education in preventing radiation-induced oral toxicities in head and neck cancer patients.
Randomized controlled trial with 150 non-metastatic head and neck cancer patients
Participants assigned to either dentist-led oral health education program or routine care
Endpoints assessed include oral mucositis incidence and onset/duration
Oral mucositis incidence was significantly lower in the education program arm (70.7% vs. 88.0%, P=0.016)
Onset of oral mucositis was delayed in the education program group (median 17 days vs. 14 days, P=0.006)
Duration of oral mucositis was shorter for the education program group (median 39 days vs. 60 days, P<0.001)