Paediatric oncology and haematology: dental care, acute toxicity and late effects

Childhood cancers collectively affect 1 in 500 children, although each individual diagnosis is a rare disease. Children and young people experience different cancers to adults, with differing anti-cancer treatment approaches. This narrative review details the range of systemic anti-cancer therapies used in paediatric oncology and haematology and their impact on child oral health and the delivery of safe dental care. It reviews common oral side effects and late effects, including oral mucositis, dental developmental anomalies, and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. It considers the role of the dental team in supporting the oral health of this group of children and young people during and after their anti-cancer and stem cell transplant therapies, drawing on relevant UK guidance and standards. This review frames the oral health team as an essential component of paediatric supportive cancer care, highlighting opportunities for their integration with paediatric oncology and haematology clinical pathways. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important for the oral health team to be aware of the impacts of anti-cancer and stem cell transplant therapies on child oral health.