Dentists' perspectives on oral cancer: a survey in Northern Germany and a comparison with international data

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge on diagnostic procedures and risk factors for oral cancer among dentists in Northern Germany by means of a standardized questionnaire. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all dentists in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, which was composed of 41 items focusing on knowledge about diagnostic procedures for oral cancer and its main risk factors. Three hundred and six of 2,233 questionnaires were returned and analysed. Most dentists correctly agreed that early detection of oral cancer improves 5-year survival. Knowledge of the facts that oral cancer is mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage and that the floor of the mouth is a common site to be affected was higher compared with international data. In contrast, knowledge was lower on the appearance of oral cancer and its symptoms in the early stages. Dentists were less certain about the role of nonrisk factors (e.g. family history) than that of risk factors. Continuous education on oral cancer within the past year was the only background factor that significantly contributed to a better knowledge onrisk-related and diagnostic factors. Profound knowledge about diagnostic procedures and risk factors for oral cancer is essential for dentists. This survey was informative with regard to areas of high versus low knowledge and will help design appropriate continuing education programmes.