Integrating Pediatric Dentistry Into Multidisciplinary Palliative Care for Pediatric Oral Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review

Background Oral cancer is a rare but highly morbid childhood cancer. Multidisciplinary palliative care is needed for children with oral cancer but the role and integration of paediatric dentistry in these teams is poorly understood. This scoping review seeks to identify and map the evidence on the role of paediatric dentistry in multidisciplinary palliative care (MDPC) for paediatric oral cancer patients. Methods Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review method and PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, searches of six electronic databases from inception to January 2025 were undertaken. Inclusion criteria were reports of dental management, oral health management, or the role of dental professionals in the palliative care of children with cancer. A data extraction form was developed and data were synthesised narratively. Results Forty-two studies were included. Four themes were identified: (1) oral side effects of cancer and its treatment; (2) preventative and therapeutic dental care; (3) integrated models of care; and (4) barriers to integration. There is clear evidence that oral mucositis, xerostomia, trismus and dental developmental disturbances have significant impact, yet paediatric dentists are consistently absent from formal palliative care teams. Effective integration leads to better quality of life (QoL) and symptom control. Conclusions There is a significant need for formalisation of paediatric dentistry in MDPC teams for oral cancer. Policies, referral and training guidelines are needed. Prospective longitudinal and patient-reported outcomes should be the focus of future research.

Hali tarjima qilinmagan