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Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
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Ethics code: IR.KMU.REC.1400.601
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Karimi Afshar M, Karimi Afshar M, Ataollahi M, Torabi Parizi M. Rethinking Dental Education; Gaps in Oral Cancer Awareness Among General Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study in Shahr-e-Babak, Iran. Mod Care J 2026; 23 (2) :47-50
URL: http://mcj.bums.ac.ir/article-1-608-en.html
URL: http://mcj.bums.ac.ir/article-1-608-en.html
1- Awareness, Oral Cancer, Dentists, Risk Factor, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
2- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Email: mehrnaz.k.afshar20137@gmail.com
3- Faculty of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
4- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Email: mehrnaz.k.afshar20137@gmail.com
3- Faculty of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
4- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract: (268 Views)
Introduction: Early detection of oral cancer is crucial, as it can significantly impact survival rates.
Objectives: This study focused on evaluating the awareness of general dentists in South-Eastern Iran regarding oral cancer and its risk factors. Dentists play a key role in the early detection of this serious public health issue.
Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 45 general dentists selected through census sampling. Their knowledge of oral cancer, risk factors, and demographic information was collected through a questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software with t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests (P < 0.05).
Results: Nearly half of the study participants were men, and the mean age was 37.21 ± 6.1. Around 60% correctly identified the age group most susceptible to cancer, while 84.4% recognized smoking as a major oral cancer risk factor. Only 15.6% knew that HPV infection also posed a risk. There were significant differences between participation in an oral cancer seminar and willingness to participate in an oral cancer training course with awareness about oral cancer.
Conclusions: According to this study, dentists in Shahr-e-Babak showed low awareness of oral cancer and moderate awareness of its risk factors. Therefore, strategies must be implemented to enhance dentists' knowledge on this important issue.
Objectives: This study focused on evaluating the awareness of general dentists in South-Eastern Iran regarding oral cancer and its risk factors. Dentists play a key role in the early detection of this serious public health issue.
Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 45 general dentists selected through census sampling. Their knowledge of oral cancer, risk factors, and demographic information was collected through a questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software with t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests (P < 0.05).
Results: Nearly half of the study participants were men, and the mean age was 37.21 ± 6.1. Around 60% correctly identified the age group most susceptible to cancer, while 84.4% recognized smoking as a major oral cancer risk factor. Only 15.6% knew that HPV infection also posed a risk. There were significant differences between participation in an oral cancer seminar and willingness to participate in an oral cancer training course with awareness about oral cancer.
Conclusions: According to this study, dentists in Shahr-e-Babak showed low awareness of oral cancer and moderate awareness of its risk factors. Therefore, strategies must be implemented to enhance dentists' knowledge on this important issue.
Article Types: Brief Report |
Subject:
General
Received: 2026/02/10 | Accepted: 2026/02/2 | Published: 2026/06/30
Received: 2026/02/10 | Accepted: 2026/02/2 | Published: 2026/06/30
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