Dental partnership ensures world class treatment for oral cancer patients

World class treatment will be available to patients who have had oral cancer as a result of a new collaborative agreement between the Melbourne Dental School (MDS), the Melbourne Dental Clinic at the University of Melbourne, and the Straumann Group.

The Swiss company supplies a leading range of dental implants, instruments and prosthetics worldwide.

Patients undergoing cancer treatments often face multiple procedures resulting in additional costs. In the case of head and neck and oral cancers, patients can be left with a range of impairments that can affect rehabilitation and well-being. This is especially the case when patients face issues of oral function, self-esteem and impact on socialisation and ability to work.

The new partnership will allow patients to access to a range of treatments such as implant supported overdentures which are removable devices that allow clinicians to monitor surgical sites during and after care. Some patients will be fitted with suitable fixed implant supported bridges. This will be of particular benefit to younger patients for whom the social implications of surgery can be significant.

Associate Professor Roy Judge, Head of Prosthodontics at the MDS, says while many devices are now available to assist patients recover from their treatments, many are not available through the public system.

“This new partnership means we can help patients with prosthetics in the knowledge that each patient is unique and has significant treatment needs. Post-treatment care is as important as the treatment itself. This transformative addition provides patients with increased confidence and recognises that patients and their families are at the centre of continuous care.”

Professor Alastair Sloan, Head of the MDS and a world expert on tissue engineering and dental biology, believes the access to world class treatment will change the lives of patients.

“Together the two partners will offer oral cancer patients world class care at the University of Melbourne and at our teaching and health clinics.”

Australia Country Manager Markus Kaufmann says Straumann Group is committed to donating materials to facilitate prosthetic rehabilitation – which is not covered in the public system – for cancer patients who don’t hold a healthcare card.

“We appreciate and understand that this is a significant gap and often impacts vulnerable patients. Our aim is to bridge that gap.”