Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Online Respondent General Dentists: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is a worldwide medical issue with expanding paces of occurrence and rising mortality rates. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in Nepal with a prevalence of 4.6%. Examination of the oral cavity includes evaluating all teeth, supporting tissue, and surrounding oral tissue and recording the condition of these structures. The present study was conducted to find out the knowledge of oral cancer among general dental practitioners responding to a general survey. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among general dental practitioners from March 2020 to July 2020 in 234 sample sizes. Convenience sampling technique was used. Data collection was done after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review committee (Ref no. 10/020). Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire through Google forms. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 20 software. Results: Our study showed that most of the participants i.e. 131 (56.2%) have moderately adequate knowledge about oral cancer. One-hundred and eighty four (78.6%) and 178 (76.1%) identified smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco as high-risk factors for oral cancer. Two-hundred (85.5%) participants recognised buccal/labial mucosa as a common site for oral cancer. And, 138 (59.2%) have knowledge about early detection of oral cancer. Conclusions: Our study highlights that general dentists have moderate knowledge regarding oral cancer and. Study also states that more practical knowledge and training should be included in undergraduate programs.