Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Primary Oral Health Care Dentists in Kuwait

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer signifies a public health concern of international importance. Early detection of oral cancer<br />can improve the prognosis and the 5-year survival rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of oral<br />cancer knowledge, opinion, attitudes and practices among dentists working at the primary oral health care centers in<br />Kuwait. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the dentists working at<br />the primary oral health care centers in Kuwait. A total of 289 dentists participated in the present study. The questionnaire<br />included 23- questions on oral cancer knowledge, opinion, attitudes and practices. Results: The mean age of the dentists<br />was 35.2 ± 10.9 years. Approximately, all dentists (99.7%) were aware of the major risk factors that were most likely<br />associated with oral cancer. Overall, majority of the participants knew the most common form of oral cancer (80.6%),<br />most common site (80.3%) and the likely lesions associated with oral cancer occurrence (87.9%). A large number of<br />dental practitioners (81%) would routinely refer a patient with a suspicious lesion to a specialist. Nearly one-third (32%)<br />reviewed their patients' oral cancer risk factors. Approximately two-thirds (62%) assessed the use of tobacco in their<br />practice. Almost, all (92.4%) were interested in attending continuing education courses on oral cancer. Conclusions:<br />Majority of the participants presented good knowledge about various aspects of oral cancer. More continuing education<br />programs on risk factors and diagnosis of oral cancer should be organized to train the dentists. Oral cancer screening<br />should be a routine procedure for the high risk patients at the primary oral health care centers in Kuwait.