KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS ABOUT ORAL CANCER AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS IN CHENNAI, TAMILNADU- A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY.

Abstract

Aim and objectives; To assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness about oral cancer among dental students in Chennai. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted Materials and methods; among the undergraduate dental students between 3rd, 4th & those who are pursuing internship in Chennai, Tamilnadu. A questionnaire consisted of 15 questions regarding the knowledge, attitude and awareness towards oral cancer. The questionnaire was circulated among the dental students as Google forms through various social media modes and responses were noted and evaluated for statistical analysis by SPSS software version 24.0. Results; of all the 121, (57.03%) were intern students followed by (29.75%) nal years and (13.22%) third years. About(70.2%) of the dental students were aware of the diagnostic tool for oral cancer and about (80.2%) were aware of oral squamous cell carcinoma as the most commonly occurring oral cancer. While (74.4%) agreed that there is a need for additional training or information regarding oral cancer. Conclusion; The current study implies that knowledge, especially about the causes, symptoms and best modes of treatment has to be reinforced throughout the undergraduate dental students so that it helps in better diagnosis and proper treatment.