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

Current Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice among Health Care Providers in OSCC Awareness: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The reporting of literature review on the KAP key question showed 55 studies using SPIDER and 11 using the PICO tool, divided per categories as follows: 50 among dentists [ 12 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ], eight among physicians [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ,…”

Knowledge of oral and oropharyngeal cancer by dental surgeons: an integrative review

“…Among the various risk factors for causing oral cancer, the use of alcohol was identified as a major risk factor by 238 (99%. Regarding the results of the articles, eight showed a good knowledge of dentists on risk factors and early diagnosis in oral cancer (14)(15)(16)(17)(20)(21)24,30) , while most revealed a low or unsatisfactory knowledge. All studies, however, highlighted the need for continuing education to improve and maintain this knowledge.…”

“…Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Primary Oral Health Care Dentists in Kuwait (30) 2019 Kuwait…”

“…DSs are professionals who needed to be prepared for the detection of cancerous lesions through a clinical examination, as well as assessing the possible related risk factors. In this context, the dentist will contribute for the diagnosis of oral cancer and, therefore, increase the chance of successful treatment (30) . In general, it is assumed that all DSs, regardless of their inclusion in the public network, should have solid knowledge about risk factors and early diagnosis of oral/oropharyngeal cancer, in addition to articulating their knowledge in daily practice.…”

Oral cancer screening experiences, practices and beliefs of prosthodontists in Saudi Arabia: A survey study

“…Dental practitioners can play a pivotal role in the early identification of oral cancer/potentially malignant oral lesions, which in turn leads to earlier intervention and better overall management outcomes. Many studies worldwide have assessed the knowledge and practices of dentists regarding oral cancer and showed unsatisfactory results [10][11][12][13][14]. Among dental practitioners, dental prosthodontists -dental practitioners who specialize in providing dentures for edentulous patientsare able to play a crucial role in the prevention and early detection of OC through opportunistic screening of oral mucosa in edentulous older adults [15].…”