RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Improving Dental Care for Patients With Head and Neck Tumors

This study aims to make dental care better for people who have had head and neck cancer. We know that good dental health is really important before, during, and after cancer treatment. Researchers are asking head and neck cancer patients and dentists to fill out an anonymous online survey. You'll answer some questions, then read some helpful information, and then answer some questions again. This is to see if giving people clear, written information helps improve their understanding and views on dental care when dealing with head and neck cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Medical Center Goettingen

Enrolment target

132

Start

13 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Oral Health Care Oral Health Behavior Change Head & Neck Cancer Dentist's Role Dentist-Patient Relations

What is this study about?

This study is trying to understand and improve dental care for people who have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. When someone has head and neck cancer, their dental needs can become more complex, both because of the cancer itself and the treatments they might receive, like radiotherapy. It's really important for patients to have good dental health, and for dentists to understand these special needs.

To do this, the study is asking two different groups of people to take part: patients who have had head and neck cancer, and dentists who treat patients. Both groups will be asked to fill out an anonymous online survey. They'll answer questions about what they currently know, what they think, their experiences, and how they usually approach dental care in this situation. After this first set of questions, they will be given some easy-to-understand written information. This information is based on official guidelines for patients and dentists.

The main goal of the study is to see if giving out this helpful, clear information makes a difference. Does it improve what patients know about their dental care? Does it change dentists' understanding of how to best support these patients? By finding out, the researchers hope to make sure that people with head and neck cancer get the best possible dental care.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make dental care better for head and neck cancer patients.
It involves an anonymous online survey for patients and dentists.
Participants receive educational information as part of the survey.
The goal is to see if clearer information improves understanding and attitudes.
Participation is voluntary and completely confidential.
It's a survey, so no clinic visits or treatments are involved.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. It's also important that you feel well enough to complete an online questionnaire. If you're a dentist, you need to be currently working in Germany and be registered in a specific address database called OAK-Verlag.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you don't want to take part after hearing about it, or if your German language skills aren't strong enough to understand and answer the questionnaire properly, then you wouldn't be able to participate. Your consent is always needed to be part of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer (if patient).
I am a practicing dentist in Germany (if dentist).
I feel well enough to complete an online questionnaire.
I can understand and answer questions in German.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is quite straightforward and entirely online. You won't need to visit a clinic or have any special appointments. If you decide to participate, you'll complete an online questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask about your knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and how you approach dental care related to head and neck cancer.

After you answer the first set of questions, you'll immediately receive some written educational materials. These materials are short summaries of important guidelines, tailored for either patients or dentists. Once you've read these, you'll then complete the rest of the questionnaire. The entire process is done in one continuous session online. Because it's an anonymous survey, once you've submitted your answers, you can't withdraw them later. The study does not involve any medication, follow-up visits, or specific treatments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves very minimal risk, mainly the time taken to complete the questionnaire. All your answers are anonymous, meaning no one will know your specific responses. A potential benefit is that by reading the educational materials, you might gain a better understanding of dental care related to head and neck cancer, which could help you or your patients in the future. Your participation also helps researchers understand how to better educate patients and dentists, potentially leading to improved dental care for many people. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and by submitting the anonymous questionnaire, you are agreeing to participate.

Locations (1)

University Medical Center Göttingen
Verified postcode
Göttingen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancer is 'head and neck cancer'?

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that start in the head or neck area, such as in the mouth, throat, voice box, or salivary glands.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, completely. The survey is anonymous, so none of your answers will be linked back to you personally. Once you submit it, your data is part of the overall study results.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the survey?

No, you don't need to prepare anything. Just find a quiet time when you can focus on answering the questions honestly.

How long will the survey take?

The study description doesn't specify an exact time, but it's designed as a single, continuous session, suggesting it won't be overly long.

If I'm a patient, what kind of information will I get?

You'll receive easy-to-understand summaries of official guidelines about oral cavity cancer, throat cancer, and supportive care for patients.

How to find out more

Felix Matschner, Dr. MSc

felix.marschner@med.uni-goettingen.de +49 551 39-60870 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.