Dentists' perspectives on denture provision after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: an exploratory study using the theoretical domains framework

Introduction Patients are often keen to replace their missing teeth after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), yet such replacement does not always take place. Aims This study aimed to investigate the influences on dentists' provision of dentures for patients treated with radiotherapy for HNC, including whether risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a factor influencing intention to provide dentures. Methods An online cross-sectional survey including a case scenario, self-reported behaviour and measures of factors (selected using the theoretical domains framework) that may affect dentists' decisions was completed by general dental practitioners (n = 150) and HNC multidisciplinary team dentists (n = 25) in England. Results Dentists' reluctance to provide dentures for HNC patients post-radiotherapy was often due to concerns about dry mouth and radiation caries rather than risk of ORN. Knowledge of guidelines and beliefs about consequences were independently associated with dentists' intention to replace missing teeth with dentures. Conclusion The likelihood of replacing missing teeth with dentures increased with awareness of clinical guidance on the use of dentures in HNC and that denture provision would have positive consequences that outweigh the costs.