Maryland dentists' knowledge of oral cancer prevention and early detection

Background: Provider level of knowledge is a critical aspect of health literacy and can play a role in patient health outcomes. Thus, dentists must keep current with the latest scientific research and incorporate this knowledge into their practice in a timely manner for prevention, diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of diseases. Objectives: To investigate dentists' knowledge of oral cancer diagnostic procedures, whom they screen, what risk factors they assess when taking health histories, and if they believe their knowledge is current. Methods: A 39-item survey was sent to 1157 general practice dentists in Maryland. The data analysis included percentages, means and chi-square tests. Results: The response rate was 40% (n=463). Thirty-eight percent of dentists had a high level of knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, 39% had a high level of knowledge of oral cancer diagnostic procedures, and 38% received a high score for provision of oral cancer examinations. Only 17% of dentists had a high score for knowledge of risk factors and diagnostic procedures combined. Dentists who strongly agreed or agreed that their oral cancer knowledge is current were more likely to receive a high score for knowledge of oral cancer diagnostic procedures (p=0.01). Conclusion: There are deficiencies in dentists' knowledge and practices relating to oral cancer. The University of Maryland Dental School should emphasize oral cancer prevention and early detection in its curriculum and work with the Maryland State Dental Association to sponsor continuing education courses.