Dive into the dynamic intersection of dental medicine and oncology with our Oral Oncology Fellowship. This cutting-edge program is crafted for dental professionals eager to expand their expertise in managing oral health for oncology patients. Gain hands-on experience, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and engage in innovative research. Elevate your skills, impact patient care, and lead the way in oral oncology.
Program Overview
The Oral Oncology Fellowship Program is a 12-month comprehensive training program aimed at equipping dentists with the necessary expertise to provide effective oral healthcare for oncology patients. The clinical training, for one fellow annually, will primarily occur at HPU affiliated cancer hospitals, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist at High Point, NC, and Novant Health Cancer Institute at Winston-Salem, NC. These cancer hospitals represent top-tier clinical settings for Oral Oncology training and the academic and clinical environments provided by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist are exceptionally conducive to learning. The Oral Medicine, Oncology & Orofacial Pain clinic at both the hospitals handles a significant volume of both cases, spanning a wide spectrum of oral medicine conditions, particularly focusing on oncology. Notably, both the faculty members hold board certification in Oral Medicine, and the utilization of electronic medical records seamlessly integrates with the Healthcare System at both hospitals. Additionally, the range of educational and research opportunities available within the HPU community is unmatched. Residents are encouraged to work diligently, actively seek out opportunities, confront challenges, and strive for excellence. While the fellowship offers a structured framework and requirements, the fellow’s engagement, and effort across various aspects, including clinical work, seminars, and research, will ultimately shape their learning experience. The combined resources of HPU, Novant Health Care system and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist will provide an exceptionally rich and distinctive environment for Oral Oncology training.
| 12-Month Program | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist | Novant Health Cancer Institute | Off-site Rotations in Hematology-Oncology and Radiology Oncology | Off-site Rotations in Medical Oncology and Maxillofacial Radiology | |||
| Faculty-led Lectures | Fellows-led Seminars | Grand Rounds Presentations | Literature Review for EBM | |||
| Development of Independent Research Projects | Active Participation in existing/ongoing Projects | Publication of peer-reviewed article | Abstract and Presentation for AAOM annual meeting | |||
Program Description
Our 1-year fellowship program in Oral Oncology offers a unique opportunity for dentists to acquire specialized knowledge and skills necessary for providing comprehensive oral healthcare to oncology patients. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, research engagement, and community education under the guidance of experienced faculty and healthcare professionals, our program ensures a well-rounded training experience through didactic lectures, fellows-directed seminars, evidence-based practice, and communication training in top-rated regional hospitals such as Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health Cancer Institute. Furthermore, by offering continuing education programs for the dental profession, the fellowship program not only enhances the skills and knowledge of practicing dentists but also fosters a culture of excellence in oral oncology care. Ultimately, the Oral Oncology Fellowship Program serves as a catalyst for enhancing community health outcomes by addressing access barriers, reducing disparities, promoting education, and advancing professional development in oral healthcare which is fully in alignment with the mission, vision, and values within the Workman School of Dental Medicine.
Benefits of Oral Oncology Fellowship:
- Hands-on clinical training at leading cancer hospitals, providing exposure to a wide range of oral oncology cases.
- Mentorship from experienced faculty and healthcare professionals with expertise in oral medicine and oncology.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with other healthcare professionals.
- Dedicated time for research endeavors, allowing fellows to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of oral oncology.
- A commitment to promoting oral health in the community through education and outreach activities.
Program Objectives
Broadly, we aim to train fellows to be well-rounded providers by developing clinical skills, utilizing research for evidence-based practice decisions, and teaching how to build communications plan for multiple audiences: patient education, lay public, and expert audiences though the following objectives:
- Developing a thorough understanding of oncology including hematological malignancies, head & neck cancers, metastatic solid cancers and its impact on oral health.
- Providing safe and effective oral healthcare for oncology patients, including the diagnosis and treatment of oral benign or malignant lesions, performing dental clearances prior to oncology therapy, and management of cancer therapy-related oral and maxillofacial complications, such as:
- Oral & maxillofacial infections (e.g., oral candidiasis, herpetic recrudescence, bacterial sialadenitis)
- Acute toxicities (e.g., oral mucositis, acute graft vs. host disease, mTOR inhibitor associated stomatitis)
- Late toxicities (e.g., jaw osteonecrosis)
- Chronic salivary gland disease (e.g., chronic graft vs. host disease, immune related adverse effects)
- Orofacial pain disorders (e.g., radiation induced myofascial fibrosis, trismus, chemotherapy induced neuropathy)
- Neurosensory dysfunction conditions (e.g., radiation therapy induced taste disorders- ageusia or dysgeusia)
- Odontogenic infections (e.g., radiation caries, periodontitis)
- Develop effective communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, foster interprofessional teamwork, and educate patients and their families about their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.
- Participate in research activities and scholarly projects aimed at advancing knowledge in the field of oral oncology and contributing to evidence-based practice.
- Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge to the professional and lay communities on the vital link between oral and systemic health through presentations at local or national conferences and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and ethical conduct in all aspects of patient care, research, and professional interactions within the oral oncology fellowship program.
The intended objectives of this rotation include gaining expertise in diagnosing and managing hematologic and oncologic conditions, interpreting diagnostic tests, and understanding therapeutic principles including chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, anti-resorptive therapy, etc. The fellow will also gain expertise in conducting comprehensive risk assessments for hematological malignancies and recognizing oral manifestations linked to oncological therapies.
The objectives include gaining comprehensive knowledge and practical proficiency in the fundamental aspects of radiation therapy, encompassing principles of radiation physics, radiobiology, and safety protocols in clinical settings. The fellow will develop the ability to assess and clinically stage patients with head and neck cancer, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their disease status and progression and actively engage in treatment planning sessions, gaining practical experience in the development of radiation therapy treatment plans for patients with head and neck cancer.
The rotation objectives include developing a deep understanding of core principles in diagnosing and treating patients with solid cancers, including those undergoing anti-resorptive therapies like zoledronic acid or denosumab. They also aim to emphasize the critical role of clinical research in advancing oncology treatments, alongside gaining familiarity with various medical factors influencing overall patient care.
The rotation objectives encompass acquiring foundational knowledge and skills in interpreting oral and maxillofacial anatomy, gaining a comprehensive understanding of imaging principles specific to oral and maxillofacial pathology and oncology, and developing proficiency in interpreting advanced imaging studies, including identifying radiographic signs of metastasis to the jaw. Additionally, the fellow will receive specialized education through observation opportunities alongside oral and maxillofacial faculty, while also enhancing their ability to interpret written radiology reports effectively.
Application Process
- Candidates must possess a DMD, DDS, or an equivalent degree, such as BDS.
- Candidates from non-English-speaking nations are required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report.
- Candidates must submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), letter of intent and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
- Application must be submitted to [email protected].
- The admissions committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment, taking into consideration factors such as academic achievements during dental school, the quality of the personal statement, recommendations, research engagement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and prior postdoctoral clinical experience. Following this evaluation, a select group of candidates will be extended invitations for mandatory interviews.