A multidisciplinary approach to meet effectively the complex needs of the terminally ill patient and associated family members has been widely utilized within hospice programs. Although oral problems are prevalent and hospice patient perceived dental concerns are frequently significant, dental professionals have been generally excluded from hospice care teams. Efforts need to be made both by hospice staff and the dental profession to assess and meet more successfully the dental needs of the terminally ill patient in order to enhance his or her remaining quality of life.
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