Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Ranjeet Kumar.
RanjeetKumar@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Oral cancer is one of the most debilitating and life threatening of all malignancies and is a major health problem of developing world including India. Deficiencies in training hinder the early diagnosis and may also contribute to the delayed treatment and discomfort of patients. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness about oral cancer and supportive care among undergraduate dental students. A questionnaire-based study comprising 12 questions was carried out in clinically posted dental students of third year and final year students of Hazaribagh Dental College, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. The total number of participants were 100. The majority of students were aware of oral cancer (94.0%) and recognized signs and symptoms of oral cancer. A satisfactory knowledge was observed on risk factors whereas unsatisfactory knowledge was observed about treatment cost. This study highlights the need of continuing dental education with greater emphasis on the early signs and risk factors of oral cancer, performing routine oral examination, appropriate supportive management of suspicious oral lesions and referral to cancer hospital for definite management.

Keywords: Oral cancer, risk factors, undergraduate, management.