Advances in pediatric oncology have dramatically improved survival rates, shifting the clinical focus toward managing the late effects of life-saving cancer therapies.
Among these, long-term dental and craniofacial anomalies represent a significant burden for survivors.
To address this critical gap, the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) has issued an official policy document: 'Best clinical practise guidance for oral health care management of long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS)'.
Based on a meticulous systematic review conducted by an expert panel during the EAPD interim seminar in Prague, this comprehensive consensus guidelines evaluate the prevalence and severity of post-treatment oral complications.
The document provides evidence-based recommendations tailored for clinicians, highlighting key risk factors—such as treatment type (concomitant radiotherapy) and young age at diagnosis (under 3 years old)—that correlate with severe radiographic defects, root malformations, tooth agenesis, and accelerated caries development.
This framework serves as an indispensable clinical roadmap to integrate robust preventive protocols and long-term oral management into the standard survivorship care plan for patients up to 19 years of age.
📖 To review the complete clinical protocols, specific risk assessment criteria, and full consensus statements, you are invited to read the official paper in its original format.
