Dental care of the pediatric cancer patient.

Although the rate for childhood cancer has remained relatively stable for the past 2 decades, there have been drastic declines in mortality due to early diagnosis and improvements in therapy. Now over 75% of children diagnosed with cancer survive more than 5 years. The pediatric dental professional plays an important role in the prevention, stabilization, and treatment of oral and dental problems that can compromise the child's health and quality of life before, during, and after the cancer treatment. This manuscript discusses recommendations for the dental care of the pediatric oncology patient.