Description
Preventing Infections from the Start: Oral Health in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology to Reduce Infections
Presented by:
- Katharine Martinez, MPH RDH
- Jenell Robins, BSDH RDH
Overview of Session: Join Katharine Martinez and Jenell Robins for a focused session on the vital role of oral health in pediatric hematology and oncology care. This webinar will explore how proactive oral hygiene practices can reduce mucosal barrier injury, lower infection risks, and help prevent CLABSIs in immunocompromised children. Participants will gain practical strategies for assessing oral health, educating patients and families, and integrating effective oral care into multidisciplinary treatment plans. This session will explore:
- Oral health is essential to treatment outcomes in pediatric hematology and oncology, directly influencing infection rates, mucosal integrity, and overall patient well‑being.
- Mucosal barrier injury (MBI) caused by chemotherapy significantly increases vulnerability to bacterial translocation, making strong oral hygiene practices a critical preventive strategy.
- Oral health interventions help prevent MBI‑CLABSIs, reducing the risk of life‑threatening central line–associated bloodstream infections by minimizing bacterial entry points in immunocompromised patients.
- Multidisciplinary integration is key—nurses, oncologists, and oral health professionals must collaborate to embed routine oral assessments, education, and interventions into standard pediatric oncology care.
- A shift toward proactive, preventive care—including complementary and alternative oral health therapies—has strong potential to reduce complications, enhance quality of life, and support better clinical outcomes for pediatric hematology/oncology patients.
*NOTE: Webinar recording link and evaluation are located in “My Courses- ACE Center” after registration is complete
Upon successful completion of this course, nurses will earn 1 NCPD.
Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14513.
Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) Coding
The program content has been reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) and is acceptable for recertification points. You may claim 1 NCPD in one of the following ILNA categories: Care Continuum, Psychosocial Dimensions of Care, OR Care of the Pediatric Hem/Onc Patient Please reach out to the Education Team at education@aphon.org with your name, the email associated with your APHON account, and the above ILNA category you would like to have reflected on your certificate and APHON can update your completion certificate to reflect your choice.
Any questions? Contact education@aphon.org
