Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical Doctors and Dentists About Oral Cavity Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical and dental doctors regarding oral cancer and to identify differences between the two groups.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study medical and dental doctors (n=157) completed the questionnaire containing dana on demographics, attitudes and self-assessment of knowledge and clinical practice, knowledge of clinical presentation, etiology and treatment of oral carcinoma.

Main findings: Dental practitioners performed preventive examinations significantly more often than medical doctors (46.4% for dental practitioners; 9.1% for medical doctors) and reported higher self-assessed knowledge of oral cancer (75.4% for dental practitioners; 52.3% for medical doctors). Knowledge gaps were observed in both groups, particularly regarding precancerous lesions, risk factors, and early symptoms, with over 70% of respondents failing to identify precancerous conditions. Most medical doctors examined the oral cavity only when symptoms were reported, whereas 66.7% of dental practitioners performed oral examinations at every patient visit.

Principal conclusions: Most physicians expressed a willingness to pursue further professional training, creating an opportunity for the systematic implementation of educational programs on oral malignancies. The results confirm the importance of integrating preventive examinations and education into daily clinical practice, as well as incorporating topics on oral cancers into continuing medical education programs.