Dental Attendance Among Adults at High Risk for Oral Cancer

To assess the relationship between high risk oral cancer patients - age ≥45 years, male gender, smoking, higher alcohol consumption - and dental attendance.

Data were analysed from the SLÁN 2007 dataset of 10,364 adults living in Ireland. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios for identified risk factors for oral cancer and attendance at a dental professional within the preceding 12 months.

Males, those ≥45 years of age, and current smokers were less likely to have attended for a dental check-up within 12 months (p < 0.05). Current smoking significantly reduced the likelihood of regular attendance (p < 0.05), while current/ex-smoking and drinking above weekly recommended limits did not (p > 0.05). Medical card holders were significantly less likely to have attended, while private health insurance holders were more likely to attend regularly (p < 0.05).

Those with multiple risk factors for oral cancer are less likely to attend routine dental check-ups which allow opportunistic screening of oral cancer.