[AVBC 2025] A Care Coordinator can Reduce Undue Delays in Dental Clearance Prior to Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
National University Health System
10 November 2025
The project aimed to eliminate appointment-related delays in head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT) by improving dental clearance. The care coordinator model can improve prognosis, reduce adverse oral outcomes, and enhance patient experience.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 10 November 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Time Saving, Risk Management, Adverse Outcome Reduction, Access To Care, Waiting Time, Workflow Redesign, Productivity
About this Content
Aims
The project aimed to eliminate appointment-related delays in head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT) by improving dental clearance (DC) coordination at a tertiary center.
Background
HNRT patients are at risk of developing Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw (ORNJ) and require pre-treatment dental clearance to mitigate future ORNJ risk. Delays in DC can reduce the effectiveness of HNRT and result in adverse outcomes.
Methods
A quality improvement project was conducted by appointing a dental HNRT care coordinator to streamline and coordinate DC appointments. The number and causes of DC delays were compared six months before and after the coordinator's appointment.
Results
Pre-intervention, 12.5% of patients experienced delays due to appointment issues. Post-intervention, delays due to appointment issues were eliminated, and the time required for DC reduced by 7 days, allowing more time for patient recovery and preparation.
Conclusion
The care coordinator model can improve prognosis, reduce adverse oral outcomes, and enhance patient experience. It can also be applied to DC for other medical indications, enhancing medical-dental integration.
Lessons Learnt
Implementing a care coordinator can effectively prevent delays in HNRT due to appointment issues and reduce the total time required for DC.
Keywords
Dental Clearance, Radiotherapy, Appointment Coordination, Osteoradionecrosis, Healthcare Integration
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore, National University of Singapore Faculty of Dentistry |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Radiology |
Project Lead(s) | Chua Kho Xian Sarah |
Project Member(s) | Ruth W. CHOE |
Connect with this contributor!
Chua Kho Xian Sarah - sarah_chua@nuhs.edu.sg