The purposes of this study are to determine early detection practices performed by primary healthcare professionals, to compare medical and dental sub-groups, and to identify factors that influence the ability of medical and dental practitioners to recognize precancerous changes and clinical signs of oral cancer. A 28-item survey instrument was used to interview a total of 330 Jordanian primary health-care professionals (165 dental and 165 medical). An oral cancer knowledge scale (0 to 31) was generated from correct responses on oral cancer general knowledge. An early detection practice scale (0 to 24) was generated from the reported usage and frequency of procedures in oral cancer examination. Also, a diagnostic ability scale (0 to 100) was generated from correct selections of suspicious oral lesions. Only 17.8 % of the participants reported that they routinely performed oral cancer screening in practices. Their oral cancer knowledge scores ranged from 3 to 31 with a mean of 15.6. The early detection practice scores ranged from 2 to 21 with a mean of 11.6. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge scores and early detection practice scores (r = 0.22; p < 0.001). The diagnostic ability scores ranged from 11.5 to 96 with a mean of 43.6. The diagnostic ability score was significantly correlated with knowledge scores (r = 0.39; p < 0.001), but not with early detection practice scores (r = 0.01; p = 0.92). Few significant differences were found between medical and dental primary care professionals. Continuous education courses on early diagnosis of oral cancer and oral mucosal lesions are needed for primary health-care professionals.

Background:Little is known about oral health care in Syrian refugee children in host countries. We describe the pattern and nature of oral healthcare service provided to Syrian refugee children in Jordan Method: The clinical records of 3 to 7-year-old children who attended dental clinics at Zaatari refugee camp over a period of 8 months were retrieved and analyzed.

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2020;48:195-200. | 195 wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cdoe | INTRODUC TI ONRefugees constitute a heterogeneous population. Coming from different backgrounds, they experience, in their own and hosting countries, a wide range of practices that may affect their health. 1 It is generally acknowledged that refugees have greater health needs and concerns than most immigrants, partly arising from the refugee experience and resettlement process. 1 In situations of political and social uncertainty, children and adolescents are at higher risk of psychological instability and trauma, subsequently warranting special attention and care to address their healthcare needs. 2,3 Refugees face many difficulties when seeking healthcare services. These include poverty, discrimination and fragmented families. 4 In addition, a lack of adequately trained and understanding healthcare providers, facilities and a shortage of available funding for health services may limit their accessibility to appropriate health care. 1,5 Thus, highlighting the impact of poor oral health on quality of life is of vital importance, especially since such individuals are Abstract Objectives: Little is known of the oral health of refugees globally. The objective of this study was to characterize the oral health and care-seeking behaviours of refugees by investigating patterns of dental services provided to Syrian refugees in Jordan and their association with their oral health status. Methods:Clinical records from 444 patients who had received dental treatment over a 9-month period were retrieved and analysed. Collected data included gender, age and the type and number of treatment procedures provided for each patient. Results:Of the total sample (51.8% female; 48.2% male; aged 18-60 years), pain was the most common presenting complaint (73.0%), with poor aesthetics (17.1%) the second most common presenting complaint. About 63.3% of patients received only one procedure due to patients' lack of follow-up. Over half (54.5%) of dental treatments carried out were extractions, 74.1% of which were due to dental caries; 27.4% were fillings. Endodontic treatment was the least provided procedure (18.2%). Conclusions:The oral health status of Syrian refugees is a major concern, given the often-deplorable living conditions in camps and limited, often inadequate access to oral healthcare services. This situation dramatically negatively affects a refugee's oral health. There is an urgent need to provide targeted dental services for this at-risk population. Additional research is warranted on refugees worldwide, and on the provision of appropriate interventions to enable optimal oral health for this population.

Aims: To identify deficiencies in the knowledge of general medical (GMPs) and dental practitioners (GDPs) regarding early detection of oral cancer, to compare differences between subgroups, and to identify educational needs for continuing education courses on this subject. Materials and Methods: 165 GDPs and 165 GMPs were directly interviewed to assess their knowledge about oral cancer using a pre-tested survey. Knowledge scores were generated from correct responses of participants to factual questions about oral cancer. Results: Few participants (15.2% of GDPs and 12.8% of GMPs) reported that they attended any continuing education courses on oral cancer during their professional career. Most participants (81.6% of GDPs and 86.3% of GMPs) admitted that their knowledge about oral cancer was not up to date and that they would need to attend continuing education courses on oral cancer if available. A few significant differences were identified between groups regarding knowledge about risk factors, clinical presentations and diagnostic techniques but the overall knowledge scores showed no significant difference between GMPs and GDPs. Conclusions: The present study identified several deficiencies in the knowledge of GMPs and GDPs regarding risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic techniques of oral cancer. Interventions to correct these defects through properly designed continuing education courses are required.