NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Spring 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 3 FIRST Impressions Evren Kilinc, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.P.H., associate pro- fessor at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine (CDM), is passionate about dental health, especially involv- ing children with cancer. Her interest resulted in the booklet Oral Health for Children with Cancer: How to Keep Your Child’s Mouth and Teeth Healthy During and After Cancer Treatment . The booklet’s idea came to Kilinc when one of her daughters was being evalu- ated for cancer. During visits to oncology centers, Kilinc noticed the lack of information on oral health for pediatric cancer patients, which can be adversely affected by cancer treatment. The lack of information “haunted” her. She spoke to oncology team members, and searched websites of major pediatric cancer hospitals, but found limited information customized toward the needs of children with cancer. “Some sites were simply ‘see a dentist, brush your teeth’ type of general information,” said Kilinc, whose child turned out to be cancer free. Kilinc decided that the CDM could fill the void, so she began to write a booklet for parents and caregivers. While writing, Kilinc and pediatric dentistry resident Nelcy Sanchez researched whether caregivers knew about cancer treatment’s side effects. “We saw that most caregivers are not aware of the consequences,” Kilinc added. The 16-page booklet is written in layman’s terms. It includes details about what to expect during and after cancer therapy, at-home care, and more. A dental public health initiative, Oral Health for Children with Cancer is a joint publication of NSU’s CDM and the Master of Public Health program in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medi- cine (KPCOM). While writing the booklet, Kilinc also was working on her master’s degree in public health. The publication was her public health project. She enlisted the support of Phyllis Filker, D.M.D., M.P.H., and Cyril Blavo, D.O., M.S., M.P.H. and T.M., both of NSU’s KPCOM, as well as Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., CDM dean, and Judith R. Chin, D.D.S., M.S., and Romer Ocanto, D.D.S., M.S., CAGS, CDM professors. The booklet has been distributed to the pediatric oncology clinic at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and to various South Florida support groups. Copies are available in the CDM’s pediatric dentistry clinic. Pres- entations on the topic have been given at area parents’ groups, medical doctors’ org- anizations, and health associations, includ- ing the American Public Health Association. “If the booklet can raise awareness and prevent families from neglecting oral health during cancer treatments, it may help prevent additional pain, tooth loss, costly treatments, and other problems,” Kilinc said. u Caring for Children with Cancer This 16-page booklet includes what parents can expect with cancer therapy and at-home care. BY NIKKY SUÁREZ