Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July | Volume: 6 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 384-390
Awareness of Undergraduate Dental Students in Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir, India Towards Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Owais Gowhar1, Suhail H. Latoo2, Mohammad Shafi Dar3, Sonia gupta1
1Tutor, 2Associate Professor & HOD, 3Lecturer,
Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Govt Dental College & Hospital Srinagar Kashmir
Corresponding Author: Owais Gowhar
ABSTRACT
Oral cancer awareness among future dental practitioners may have an impact on the early detection, referral and prevention of oral cancer. A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of dental students and interns of Government dental college, Srinagar, India, on oral cancer and its prevention measures. Questionnaire was distributed among a total of 100 undergraduate dental students and interns of the government dental college Srinagar India. Questions relating to knowledge of oral cancer, risk factors, and opinions on oral cancer prevention and practices were posed. Only Fifty two students responded and returned the questionnaire. 96.2% thoroughly examine the oral mucosa of their patients and the most carefully examined oral structure was tongue followed by Labial/buccal mucosa, gingiva, floor of the mouth and then vestibule. 88.5% students screen the oral mucosa if the patients are in high risk categories.
There is a need to strengthen the undergraduate dental curriculum with regards to oral cancer education; particularly regarding its prevention and early detection. Incorporating the use of oral cancer diagnostic aids should be made obligatory.
Key words: oral cancer, Prevention, Smoking, Alcohol.
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