DENTALE: a validated Dentofacial EvaluatioN Tool to standardize radiological Assessment of Late dental and maxillofacial adverse Effects following treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma - Report - DentalSpire

DENTALE: a validated Dentofacial EvaluatioN Tool to standardize radiological Assessment of Late dental and maxillofacial adverse Effects following treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma

  • By

  • Koen B. Krommenhoek

  • Reinier C. Hoogeveen

  • E. Foster-Thomas

  • Willem M. M. Fennis

  • Frédérique J. M. San Giorgi

  • Matthew Krasin

  • Mark N. Gaze

  • Olga Slater

  • Gillian A. Whitfield

  • Daniel J. Indelicato

  • Henry C. Mandeville

  • Shermaine Pan

  • Marianne C. Aznar

  • Johannes H. M. Merks

  • Alfred G. Becking

  • Marinka L. F. Hol

  • May 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: DENTALE: A Validated Tool for Standardizing Radiological Evaluation

Overview

The DENTALE tool has been developed and validated to standardize the radiological evaluation of late dental and maxillofacial adverse effects in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma survivors. It demonstrates high interobserver reliability and excellent sensitivity and specificity for guiding dental care referrals.

Background

As survival rates for childhood cancer improve, the late dental and maxillofacial adverse effects of treatment have become increasingly significant. These effects can impact the quality of life and future dental function in survivors. A standardized assessment tool is essential for clinicians to evaluate these effects objectively and facilitate appropriate referrals for specialized dental care.

Data Highlights

MeasureValue
Interobserver Reliability (ICC)0.857–0.939
Sensitivity100%
Specificity90.0%
Positive Predictive Value94.6%
Negative Predictive Value100%

Key Findings

  • The DENTALE tool evaluates key anatomical features such as the condylar process and tooth morphology.
  • Interobserver reliability was assessed with ICC values ranging from 0.857 to 0.939.
  • A threshold score of 16 points provided 100% sensitivity for referral decisions.
  • The tool's specificity was found to be 90.0% with high predictive values.
  • DENTALE aims to standardize the assessment of late dental effects in pediatric cancer survivors.

Clinical Implications

The DENTALE tool can assist clinicians in making evidence-based referrals for specialized dental care in pediatric cancer survivors. By standardizing the evaluation of late dental effects, it may improve patient management and outcomes.

Conclusion

DENTALE represents a significant advancement in the objective assessment of late dental adverse effects in pediatric cancer survivors, facilitating better clinical decision-making and research.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers | DENTALE: a validated Dentofacial EvaluatioN Tool to standardize radiological Assessment of Late dental and maxillofacial adverse Effects following treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma
  2. The Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers Version 6 - PubMed
  3. European Radiology — Prognostic Significance of Initial EARL Standardized FDG PET Metrics in Pediatric and Adolescent High-Grade Osteosarcoma
  4. European Radiology — Automated Evaluation of Body Composition in Pediatric Lymphoma Patients: Findings from a [18F]FDG-PET/MR Investigation
  5. European Radiology — Predicting Radiotherapy Outcomes in Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: A Study of MRI Morphology and Quantitative T2 Intensity Analysis
  6. ADA News — October JADA compares dental clearance timelines before radiation therapy
  7. The Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers Version 6 - PubMed
  8. Systematic Review of Late Dental Effects Following Head and Neck Radiation Therapy in Childhood Cancer Survivors - PubMed
  9. Frontiers | DENTALE: a validated Dentofacial EvaluatioN Tool to standardize radiological Assessment of Late dental and maxillofacial adverse Effects following treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma

Original Source(s)

DENTALE: a validated Dentofacial EvaluatioN Tool to standardize radiological Assessment of Late dental and maxillofacial adverse Effects following treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma

  • by Koen B. Krommenhoek, Reinier C. Hoogeveen, E. Foster-Thomas, Willem M. M. Fennis, Frédérique J. M. San Giorgi, Matthew Krasin, Mark N. Gaze, Olga Slater, Gillian A. Whitfield, Daniel J. Indelicato, Henry C. Mandeville, Shermaine Pan, Marianne C. Aznar, Johannes H. M. Merks, Alfred G. Becking, Marinka L. F. Hol

  • May 22, 2026

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