Pediatric oncology patients face a heightened risk of bloodstream infections due to immunosuppression, particularly infections caused by oral bacteria. To address this issue, Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) initiated a collaborative effort between oncologists, quality specialists, and pediatric dental professionals to integrate preventive oral health education into patient care. However, sustaining these efforts required a more dedicated approach due to the high volume of high-risk patients. Inspired by a similar program at Phoenix Children’s, TCH secured philanthropic funding to establish
an Oral Health Educator position within the oncology and hematology center.
 

As the Oral Health Educator, my role focuses on providing preventive oral health education to patients, families, and the medical team, participating in infection prevention committees, and contributing to research initiatives aimed at reducing bloodstream infections. A key focus has been Mucosal Barrier Injury-related Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (MBI-CLABSI), which originate from oral bacteria in immunocompromised patients. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, patient rounds, and innovative approaches such as Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, we have observed significant improvements, including a 56% decrease in MBI-CLABSI cases and estimated cost savings of $230,000 within six months of the program’s inception.
 

This presentation will highlight the impact of integrating dental hygiene expertise into oncology care, demonstrating how preventive oral health measures can enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare-associated infections, and improve the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.