Oral potentially malignant disorders – An assessment of knowledge and attitude to future education in undergraduate dental students

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and clinical experience of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in undergraduate dental students in six European countries (Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom) and assess student’s attitude and preference to future education on the topic. A secondary aim was to identify gaps in student’s knowledge and clinical practice. The study was a part of the Erasmus+ project “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: Healthcare Professionals Training“ (Grant No: 2020‐1‐UK01‐KA202‐078917). Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to all final‐year students in six partner universities. This consisted of four parts assessing: (1) knowledge on OPMDs, (2) clinical experience with this group of patients, (3) self‐rated competence in the management of OPMDs and (4) preferences with regard to future education. Results Two hundred and sixty final‐year dental students from six partner universities responded to the questionnaire. Response rates varied from 12% to 92% between partner universities. Significant differences in clinical experience and knowledge were found between students. Students with more clinical exposure to OPMDs rated their knowledge and competence in the management of OPMDs higher than students with less clinical experience. The majority of students were interested in future education on OPMDs, preferably via short educational videos. Conclusion The majority of students have received theoretical knowledge of OPMDs during their undergraduate studies, however, not all had clinical exposure to this group of patients. Students were open to further education on OPMDs. Important deficiencies in knowledge were identified that need to be addressed and it is anticipated that the e‐learning platform and e‐book that are in development by partner institutions will help to improve overall knowledge of OPMDs.

Clinical competency of dental health professionals and students in diagnosing oral mucosal lesions

“…Nonetheless, they may need more clinical skills to apply this knowledge in real clinical settings, especially because attending CPD modules in oral medicine did not improve their diagnostic skills. It has been reported that educational intervention based on real clinical scenarios significantly improves general dental practitioners' ability to recognise OPMDs (Brailo et al, 2022; Gaballah & Kujan, 2022). This is consistent with our findings, where the capability of the dental students in diagnosing OPMDs and oral malignant lesions improved significantly after exposure to clinical cases in oral medicine clinics.…”

Assessment of the quality of oral biopsy procedure videos shared on YouTube

“…The authors pointed out that the proportion of students who have observed a biopsy of an oral lesion was 82%, assisted with a biopsy of an oral lesion was 76%, and performed a biopsy of an oral lesion was 42%, although this percentage varied significantly between countries. The majority of students were interested in future education on OPMDs, preferably via short educational videos (Brailo et al, 2022).…”

An e-learning education resource on the topic of oral potentially malignant disorders

“…The majority focus on diagnosis alone and use outdated guidance, with little discussion on the management of these conditions. A recent study aimed at final year dental students across several European universities has demonstrated students were open to further education on OPMDs [5]. Working collaboratively with partner universities, an e-learning tool was developed, which can be easily accessed by both general medical and dental practitioners.…”