Cancer ranks among the leading causes of death in the world today. As dentists we may be called upon to manage patients undergoing cancer therapy. Although chemotherapy has decreased mortality rates of patients with cancer, the morbidity associated with the treatment continues. Initiation and implementation of a comprehensive oral health program that monitors and treats the patient before, during and after chemotherapy is of paramount importance. With optimal coordination of efforts of the entire treatment team, the patient’s survival and quality of life will be enhanced. The oral health team needs to be involved with the patient’s treatment before, during and after cancer therapy. The purpose of this article is to review cancer chemotherapy, the complications involved, and management of the morbidity associated with this treatment.

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