Dr. Laila Akhlaghi, DDS, is a full-time faculty member at Columbia College of Dental Medicine, in the Section of Hospital Dentistry and Division of Oral Surgery. Following dental school graduation from Guy’s, King’s and St. Thomas’ (GKT School of Medicine) - King’s College London, and residency training in general dentistry in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, Dr. Akhlaghi gained a particular interest in treating patients with complex medical histories by focusing on dental complications associated with their oncology treatment. Her interest in taking care of the dental needs of medically complex patients led her to run an exclusive oncology dental clinic in London that served multiple oncology hospitals. She joined Columbia University College of Dental Medicine as a full-time faculty member after relocating to New York City in 2018. Since then she developed a dental clearance pathway for oncology and transplant patients in collaboration with the Herbert Irving Medical Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She also continues her work in supervising and training dental postgraduate residents and takes pride in guiding them through clinical management and dental needs of medically compromised patients.  Dr Akhlaghi has an active appointment and affiliation with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and regularly treats medically compromised and special needs patients.

Dental Management of Oncology Patients Overview. This course provides a practical clinical guide as to which group of oncology patients need dental clearance prior to their medical treatment and covers some of the most common sources of dental pain for patients undergoing oncological treatment. Designed for general dental practitioners and primary dental care providers, this session focuses on dental management in a detailed systemic approach.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the effects of cancer therapy on the oral cavity.
2. Address sources of oral pain in oncology patients.
3. Learn mucositis and the use of Photo-biomodulation therapy.
4. Know when Dental Clearances are needed.
5. Take relevant history and risk assessment.
6. Effectively communicate with the medical team.
7. Outline the pathways of care.
8. Understand management and treatment planning before, during, and after cancer safely.
9. Address osteonecrosis: bisphosphonates, rank-L inhibitors, anti-angiogenics and radiation.
10. Manage osteonecrosis as a general dentist.

The Office of Continuing Education reserves the right to end registration when an enrollment limit is reached and to cancel, modify, or alter content or faculty for any course if circumstances indicate the need for such a change. If the school finds it necessary to cancel a course, a full refund will be granted. All attempts to contact registrants will be made as soon as possible in the event of a course cancellation. The school will not be held responsible for any losses due to travel arrangements made by the registrant.

In the event of inclement weather (such as a snow emergency) or other extenuating circumstances, the Office of Continuing Education may be forced to cancel a course. If a course has been canceled, we will contact participants by the email address provided. You may call or email our office on the day of the course if you are uncertain of a course’s status.

Refund Policy for Continuing Education

A refund or credit will be issued (less a $50 admin fee) if received no later than three weeks prior to the course date. Refunds or tuition credit will not be given after that time or to no-shows. This does not apply to the local anesthesia course.