Head and neck cancer. Part 1: Pre-radiotherapy assessment and treatment planning

All patients who are due to undergo radiotherapy for head and neck cancer require a pre-treatment dental assessment. This is essential to reduce morbidity, minimize treatment delays and improve long-term quality of life. Radiotherapy-related complications, such as osteoradionecrosis, xerostomia, mucositis and radiation caries, necessitate careful dental decision-making before oncological treatment. This article outlines the principles of pre-radiotherapy dental assessment, including risk stratification, decision-making and the importance of multidisciplinary communication. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Given that radiotherapy is a most common treatment in the management of head and neck cancers, it is important that clinicians have an understanding of the dental care of these patients.