Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry

ARTICLE
Year
: 2011  |  Volume : 9  |  Issue : 5  |  Page : 262--265

Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Bangalore City


KV Vijay Kumar1, S Vinay2, S Naganandini3 
1 Govt. Dental College, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of medical Science, Kadappa, A.P, India
2 Hitkarini Dental College & Hospital, Jabalpure, India
3 Oxford Dental College & Hospital, Bangalore, India

Correspondence Address:

Context: Oral Cancer presents with high mortality rates and the likelihood of survival is remarkably better when detected early. Dental profession shares an important responsibility towards early screening, prompt referral and treatment. Aims: To assess oral cancer knowledge, attitude and screening practices of practicing dentists in Bangalore city. Methods and Material: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 dental practitioners. A comprehensive 24 item questionnaire was employed to assess the aims of the study. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics were calculated using the SPSS 13.0. Results: A total of 250 Practicing Dentists were approached out of which, 240 provided consent for participation. The response rate was 96%. About 138 (58%) respondents agreed that their knowledge about oral cancer is not up date. The prevalence of oral cancer increased in the fourth and the fifth decades of life according to 142 (59%) subjects. The use of alcohol was identified as a major risk factor for oral cancer causation by 238 (99%) subjects. The habits related to tobacco and alcohol use by their patients was recorded by 164 (68%) subjects. Forty seven subjects (68%) believe that health education alone is not sufficient to change the behaviour of the patient. Conclusions: Being able to routinely detect oral cancer at an early stage and council patients in prevention is a continuous challenge for dental profession. Dentists must be familiar with the risk factor, clinical signs and symptoms of oral cancer if they are to be effective in identifying, referring and counselling high-risk patients.


How to cite this article:
Vijay Kumar K V, Vinay S, Naganandini S. Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Bangalore City.J Indian Assoc Public Health Dent 2011;9:262-265


How to cite this URL:
Vijay Kumar K V, Vinay S, Naganandini S. Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Bangalore City. J Indian Assoc Public Health Dent [serial online] 2011 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];9:262-265
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2011;volume=9;issue=5;spage=262;epage=265;aulast=Vijay;type=0