Journal of Oral Hygiene & Health
Open Access

Abstract

Dentists have a responsibility to thoroughly assess the head and neck area for patients which enables them to help identify patients with signs or symptoms that could be caused by cancer. Aims: Evaluate local compliance with Nice Guidelines (NG12) for suspected cancer: recognition and referral pathway across the Community Dental Services at Bridgewater NHS Trust at Oldham, Rochdale and Bury Boroughs (ORB). � Identify potential areas for improvement. � Analyse a baseline staff questionnaire regarding current practices. Methods: This retrospective audit examined a sample of 30 urgent referrals made across the ORB boroughs from January 2019 to May 2020 for compliance with national NG12 guidelines. Results � None of the patients met 100% of the criteria for suspected cancer referrals. � 13.3% of patients that were referred had confirmed cancer that we are aware of. � 100% of referrals were sent due to signs/symptoms that conform to the NICE NG12 guidelines. � There was 100% compliance with documenting patient symptoms. � 10% of patients had no mention of their cancer risk factors in their records. � 13% of patients had no documented consent for their urgent referral. � 37% of patients had no clinical documentation of further information provided to them. � 13.3% of patients who had suspected cancer referrals sent were followed up by us within 2 weeks. Discussion We should address inconsistencies identified with clinical record keeping, addressing risk factors, gaining valid consent and the follow-up process both locally and from specialist services. The staff survey identified staff lacked confidence in identifying suspicious lesions and varied awareness of NG12 requirements. Recent Publication: Iffah Zaman, Deepak Komath, Manolis Heliotis 2016, �Endoscope Guided Total Prosthetic TMJ Replacement� [Abstract], British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 54, no. 10, pp. e159. Iffah Zaman, Atheer Ujam, Mike Perry 2016 �Minimally traumatic submental intubation- a novel dilational technique� [Abstract], British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 54, no. 10, pp. e116 Iffah Zaman, Farnaz Motamedi-Azari, Mustansir Alibhai, Bhavin Visavadia 2016 �Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Surgery in a Regional Maxillofacial Unit� [Abstract], British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 54, no. 10, pp. e69-70. Farnaz Motamedi-Azari , Iffah Zaman, Bhavin Visavadia 2016 �Oral Dysaesthesia: Time to Think Inside the Box� [Abstract], British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 54, no. 10, pp. e134-135. Simrun Chowdhary, Iffah Zaman, Atheer Ujam, Michael Perry 2016 �The Inclusion of Mandibular Condyles in Orthopantomogram radiographs for Trauma cases: a retrospective audit at a Regional Maxillofacial Unit� [Abstract], British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol. 54, no. 10, pp. e68.

Biography

Iffah Zaman is a General Dental Practitioner with experience in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery