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

Early detection is known to be the most effective way to promote survival and reduce mortality in cases of oral cancer. 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 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). 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. There is need for further training with regard to the early detection and prevention of oral cancers.