Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation
Official title: Effectiveness of an Early Intensive Preventive Dental Program by Oncology Providers to Reduce Dental Disease and Improve Compliance in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: OraRad IPDP
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11575645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2025 |
| Project end | August 13, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,657,346 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3DE035104-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11575645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and are receiving follow-up care in oncology clinics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving post-radiation follow-up in oncology settings or those with conditions that prevent safe dental interventions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests whether adding an Intensive Preventive Dental Program to standard oncology follow-up can lower dental disease in people treated with radiation for head and neck cancer. The program uses fluoride varnish application by the oncology team during routine visits and includes dental risk assessment and timely referrals. By coordinating cancer care with dental prevention, the study seeks to make it easier for patients to maintain healthy teeth and avoid painful complications. The trial builds on prior OraRad work and feasibility data from multiple U.S. sites to evaluate impact in real clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer dental problems and better oral health-related quality of life after radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier OraRad studies showed feasibility and engagement across several sites, supporting potential for benefit in broader oncology practices.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brennan, Michael T — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Brennan, Michael T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.
-
Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
A biomarker test using tumor samples is being developed to predict recurrence risk in oral cancers and help tailor treatment.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
-
AI-Powered Radiotherapy Planning for Cervical and Head & Neck Cancer
A new AI tool helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancers to save time and reduce the need for specialized staff.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.