When the Clinician Becomes the Patient: Xerostomia Solutions in Cancer Care

This course provides a comprehensive, evidence‑based overview of xerostomia in patients with cancer, guiding providers from assessment through clinical management. Grounded in both scientific literature and the presenter’s personal experience navigating xerostomia during cancer therapy, the course offers a uniquely practical and empathetic perspective.

Participants will review normal salivary gland physiology and learn to identify cancer‑related causes of xerostomia, along with key clinical signs and patient‑reported symptoms. Attendees will compare the effectiveness of topical therapies, systemic sialagogues, prescription fluoride, antimicrobials, and saliva substitutes, while also exploring emerging options such as acupuncture, photobiomodulation therapy, gene‑based approaches, and xylitol‑containing products. Personal insights will be presented throughout to illustrate real‑world challenges and highlight what patients often find most helpful.

Emphasis is placed on developing individualized care plans that integrate patient history, cancer treatment modality, and symptom severity. Participants will also learn how to educate patients on hydration, oral hygiene, and self‑care strategies to support comfort, nutrition, and overall quality of life.

Participants will learn:

• To describe the physiology of normal salivary gland function
• To Identify the primary causes of xerostomia in cancer patients
• To recognize the clinical signs and patient-reported symptoms of xerostomia
• To evaluate dietary contributors to xerostomia and recommend evidence-based modifications
• To compare the effectiveness of topical therapies and systemic treatment options for xerostomia

Presenters:

Ms. Victoria Patrounova Associate Professor, RDH,MHA

More courses with Ms. Victoria Patrounova

Victoria Patrounova RDH, MHA is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas in Houston, School of Dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene. Dr. Patrounova earned her dental degree in 1991 in Moscow, Russia; her Certificate in Dental Hygiene from UT Dental Branch in 1999, and her Master in Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University in 2007.  Victoria published articles in dental and dental hygiene journals and authored a chapter in a textbook. She presented over 50 in-person CE courses at ADHA, RDH UOR, Texas Dental, and Dental Hygienists Association conferences, Star of the South dental meetings, ODU & UMKC alumni, local dental study clubs, and dental hygiene meetings. She also presented webinars for ADEA, the American Dental Assistants Association, Colgate Oral Health Network and local dental professional organizations. Victoria is a recipient of the 2016 GHDHA Ester Wilkins Award, the 2017 and 2018 Dean’s Excellence Award, and the 2018 Procter & Gamble Teaching Excellence Award. She was also selected to participate in the 2019 ADEA Emerging Academic Leaders program.

Ms. Patrounova served as a President of the Greater Houston Dental Hygienists’ Association, GAC committee member, Resolution committee chair for the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association, and Chair of the ADEA Section on Addictions Education.

In her spare time, Victoria loves to read, attend theater and ballet performances, and travel with her family.