Oral Cancer: Prevention and Early Detection, Dentists’ Opinions and Practices (Mashhad-Iran)

Background: Early detection is known to be the most effective way to promote survival and reduce mortality in cases of oral cancer. Objectives: This study is intended to survey dental practitioners across the city of Mashhad, in northeast Iran, in terms of their self-assessments and performance with regard to the early detection and/or prevention of oral cancers Patients and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 134 general dentists practicing in Mashhad between 2011 and 2012. Dentists’ self-assessments, in terms of their knowledge, skill, competence, and performance when it comes to the primary and secondary prevention of oral cancers were assessed using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS (11.5). Results: 89.9 % of dentists managed to support their patients in their efforts to stop smoking, though only 39% believed in their own capacity to assist with tobacco use cessation. Dentists reported that 35.4% of their patients aged 40+ had undergone screening for oral cancer during their first visit, whereas 11.6% received regular check-up on a periodic basis. Those prone to cancer constituted a larger percentage, at 76.6%. More than half of the participants (59.3%) believed that they had acquired the essential skills for oral cancer screening. This rate was reported to be 77.6% for lymph node palpation. Almost half of all dentists claimed that their knowledge of oral cancer was up to date. Conclusions: There is need for further training with regard to the early detection and prevention of oral cancers.