Recorded presentation

Woosung Sohn, Amid Ismail, and Justine Kolker. School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, 734-615-6622, woosung@umich.edu

Objectives: To assess primary care providers’ (PCPs) knowledge, attitude, and practices of screening for oral cancer. Methods: A mail survey was conducted for 303 PCPs who worked in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Michigan. The questionnaire used included one case scenario describing a suspicious oral and questions assessing PCPs’ knowledge level, attitude, opinion, and screening practices for oral cancer. Results: Of the 303 PCPs, 171 PCPs responded (56.4% response rate), and out of those, 162 answered the questionnaire. Over 70% of the respondents reported they screen patients for oral cancer during a routine physical examination. Of the respondents, 66% referred patients to dentists or ENT specialists for a suspicious oral cancer lesion. Most respondents answered screening for oral cancer should be performed annually for adults aged 40 years and older and tobacco users regardless of age. Of the respondents, 45% were willing to participate in a network to promote early screening for oral cancer. Perceived barriers were lack of education, lack of specialists to refer patients, and lack of reimbursement. Conclusions: The findings of this survey indicate majority of PCPs have positive attitude about performing screening for oral cancer and about half of respondents would like to participate in a network to screen for oral cancer. However, to involve PCPs in screening for oral cancer, oral health programs should focus on providing up-to-date education, setting up a referral system, and providing proper reimbursement. Funded by the NIDCR/NIH Grant DE14410-03.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

(
• Understand current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice of screening for oral cancer among primary healthcare providers who work in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Michigan. (
• List perceived barriers to performing screening for oral cancer screening among the PCPs who work in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Michigan. (
• Understand the need for up-to-date education programs for oral cancer while considering preferred sources of information among the PCPs.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation