Recent graduates' evaluation of their dental oncology curriculation

A survey of recent dental school graduates regarding their preparation for and provision of dental care for cancer patients in their practices suggests several trends. Although an extensive educational effort has brought about an introduction of dental students to medically compromised patients, over 90% of the recent graduates surveyed recommended maintaining or increasing curriculum time devoted to each of twelve didactic and clinical dental oncology areas considered. The majority of dentists surveyed evaluated their dental school educational experience as weak in five (biopsy techniques, treatment modalities, maxillofacial prosthetics, nutrition for cancer patients, and patient support sources) of the twelve didactic and clinical areas considered. Not one of the twelve areas was evaluated as strong by a majority of the dentists. It is apparent that accommodation to the suggestions of practicing dentists must be made if general dentists are to provide high quality, comprehensive dental care for cancer patients.