Impact of the absence of dental support on cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose With the suspension of routine services due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a significant number of the population has been presenting acute oral alterations without proper treatment. Through telecontact, this study aimed to identify individuals in treatment and had been treated for cancer who had their clinical dental care interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Individuals with oncologic diseases were selected from a telephone list of a clinical research center specializing in the care of cancer patients. We included those who answered an online questionnaire about their general health status and oral problems when they were unable to access dental care during the pandemic. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher and Chi-square tests. The significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05). Results Of the 280 patients recruited, 104 answered the questionnaire. There were 75 (72.1%) were women, of which 22 (36.7%) were under antineoplastic treatment, and 30 (68.2%) had already been treated; 29 (27.9%) were men, of which 15 (25.0%) were under antineoplastic treatment and 14 (31.8%) had already been treated. Of the universal sample, 64 (61.5%) had no complaints regarding their general health, and 74 (71.1%) had no difficulties in their daily activities due to teeth/mouth problems. However, the rates of oral problems were not statistically significant (p=NS). Conclusion In dentistry, telephone support and digital tools are useful and necessary instruments for the follow-up of cancer patients during the pandemic.