Dentists’ Perception of the Role they Play in Early Detection of Oral Cancer

Background: Dentists are typically the first professionals who are approached to treat ailments within the oralcavity. Therefore they should be well-equipped in detecting suspicious lesions during routine clinical practice.This study determined the levels of knowledge on early signs and risk factors associated with oral cancer andidentified which factors influenced dentist participation in prevention and early detection of oral cancer. Materialsand
Methods: A survey on dentists’ knowledge and their practices in prevention and early detection of oralcancer was conducted using a 26-item self-administered questionnaire. Results and
Conclusions: A responserate of 41.7% was achieved. The level of knowledge on early signs and risk habits associated with oral cancerwas high and the majority reported to have conducted opportunistic screening and advised patients on riskhabit cessation. Factors that influenced the dentist in practising prevention and early detection of oral cancerwere continuous education on oral cancer, age, nature of practice and recent graduation. Notably, dentists werereceptive to further training in the area of oral cancer detection and cessation of risk habits. Taken together,the study demonstrated that the dental clinic is a good avenue to conduct programs on opportunistic screening,and continuous education in these areas is necessary to adequately equip dentists in running these programs.Further, this study also highlighted knowledge deficits and practice shortcomings which will help in planning anddeveloping programs that further encourage better participation of dentists in prevention and early detectionof oral cancer.