Oral Health in Palliative Care: A Survey Study

Oral health problems such as xerostomia or oral infections are common in palliative care patients and can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate dental care may contribute substantially to symptom control and well-being; however, oral health and dental services are often insufficiently integrated into palliative care practice. In addition, little is known about the level of awareness, knowledge, and interprofessional collaboration regarding oral health among palliative care professionals. This prospective, non-interventional survey study aims to assess the relevance of oral health in palliative care by surveying both palliative care patients and healthcare professionals who are members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. The study investigates patients' oral health status, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental care, as well as professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to oral health and dental care in palliative settings. The findings are intended to identify existing gaps and inform strategies for improved integration of dental expertise into palliative care.

NCT Number	NCT07324525
Lead Sponsor	University Medical Center Goettingen
Conditions	Oral Health Care, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, Palliative Care, Palliative Care, Patient Care
Enrollment	151 participants
Start Date	2026-02-24
Primary Completion	2026-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-06 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-27