Department of Veterans Affairs Consensus: Preradiation dental treatment guidelines for patients with head and neck cancer.

Few protocols have been published for the dental management of patients with head and neck cancer to prevent complications from head and neck radiation therapy. Radiation therapy not only affects the tumor cells targeted, but also the dentition, bone, salivary gland, and oral soft tissue structures. A comprehensive dental evaluation prior to head and neck radiation therapy can help prevent many complications.

Longitudinal outcomes of using a fluoride performance measure for adults at high risk of experiencing caries.

Background: Staff of the VA Office of Dentistry, the dental care arm of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Health Administration, developed a performance measure (PM) regarding appropriate fluoride use.