Dental Students' Awareness of Oral Cancer

Objective of work: The aim of this study was to assess undergraduate dental students' knowledge on prevention and early detection of oral cancer at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire which tested oral cancer awareness was given to undergraduate dental students of the 4th and 5th year during practicals in oral medicine. A total of 207 students participated in this survey, 122 students of the fourth year (94.6% of the total number of 4th year students) and 85 students of the fifth year (95.5% of the total number of 5th year students). Results: The response of both groups was very high (95%). Students of the 5th year showed more knowledge about oral cancer because they have twice the hourly rate of practicals and more patient-oriented teaching in oral medicine. In comparison with the 4th year, students of the 5th year are more informed about the recognition of clinical appearance of oral cancer and type of oral lesions associated with oral cancer, identification of alcohol as a risk factor and to whom the patient should be referred for treatment. Conclusion: Gaps in student's knowledge about oral cancer highlight the areas that need to be strengthened in dental curriculum regarding oral cancer education. Higher hourly rate of student's clinical work focused on this issue contributes to a better understanding and awareness of oral cancer.