Karen explains from a patient perspective how the role of the dental professional can help against the isolation of head and neck cancer. Karen will highlight key issues of patients she supports, and from her own medical pathway, in dealing with how head and neck cancer impacts the patient's life and their partners. Karen will explain the difference in care she has received from dental professionals, which will highlight the importance and need for excellent care before, during and after treatment has "finished." She will also give demonstrations of tools that dental professionals can promote in order to assist their patients who are becoming more isolated, including signposting to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, for additional support and why this is important.

• Understand patient's anxieties, especially after life-changing surgery and treatment, in order to build up trust.
• Be able to communicate properly with your patient, listen and have important conversations.