How does teaching on cutaneous malignancies differ between dental students in Birmingham and Melbourne?

The prevalence of cutaneous malignancies in the head and neck region appears to be increasing. This is of great relevance to dentists as they may be the first medical professional to notice a suspicious lesion. However, education on this varies across institutions and countries, influencing future clinicians' clinical competence to address these lesions. This project aimed to understand the importance of awareness and education about cutaneous malignancies, to explore the differences in teaching in dental schools in Birmingham, UK and Melbourne, Australia, and to investigate the outcomes of related teaching in these schools. The project used qualitative and quantitative research, including comparisons of curricula and a survey to assess students' confidence and knowledge to manage suspicious lesions in practice. Analysis of the Birmingham and Melbourne dental school curricula showed differences in teaching hours and learning objectives. Results from the survey showed that Birmingham students felt more confident to identify cutaneous malignancies, and performed better in identifying referral timeframes than Melbourne students. However, both groups performed similarly in recognising these lesions. Dentists are well placed to identify cutaneous malignancies, but changes in curricula and teaching are needed to improve undergraduate education. This could then increase early recognition and improve patient outcomes.