Oral Health-Related Complications of Breast Cancer Treatment: Assessing Dental Hygienists' Knowledge and Professional Practice.
OBJECTIVE
Approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. every year. These patients commonly suffer from oral complications of their cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists' knowledge and professional practice related to providing care for breast cancer patients.


METHODS
A pre-tested 43-item survey was mailed to a random sample of 10% of all licensed dental hygienists in the state of Michigan (n=962). The survey assessed the respondents' knowledge of potential oral complications of breast cancer treatments as well as their professional practices when treating patients with breast cancer. After 2 mailings, the response rate was 37% (n=331). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SAS.


RESULTS
Many dental hygienists were unaware of the recommended clinical guidelines for treating breast cancer patients and lacked specific knowledge concerning the commonly prescribed anti-estrogen medications for pre-and postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Over 70% of the respondents indicated they were unfamiliar with the AI class of medications. Only 13% of dental hygienists correctly identified the mechanism of action of anti-estrogen therapy. Dental hygienists reported increased gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding, periodontal pocketing, xerostomia and burning tissues in patients receiving anti-estrogen therapies. Less than 10% believed that their knowledge of breast cancer treatments and the potential oral side effects is up to date.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate a need for more education about the oral effects of breast cancer therapies and about providing the best possible care for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.
L Susan
LS
Taichman
Grace
G
Gomez
Marita Rohr
MR
Inglehart
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000523:psychology*; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators
anti-estrogen therapy; breast cancer; chemotherapy; dental hygienist; education; knowledge; oral health; professional behavior