ABSTRACT
Dentists have usually a critical role in diagnosing oral cancer lesions in their early stages. In this study we aimed to assess the senior dental student' and dentists' knowledge, attitude and behaviors regarding oral cancer in Isfahan. A valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire was designed to assess the current practice, knowledge and attitude of general dentists working in Isfahan-Iran and senior dental students regarding oral cancer lesions. The questionnaire was consisted of questions to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding diagnosis, risk factors and prognosis of oropharyngeal cancerous lesions. The frequencies of answers to questions in sections of practice and attitude [just for dentists] and sum score of questions in knowledge section were calculated and compared using statistical analysis regarding age, sex, duration of experience and practice setting] p ublic/private] of participants. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square, linear regression and logistic regression. 139 questionnaires from dentists and 57 questionnaires from students were returned. The mean score of dentists' knowledge was 5.41 out of 13 [CI95%=5.03-7.79]. Significant differences were observed among dentists regarding their experience [P=0.001]. Only one fifth of the dentists in our survey reported to perform oral cancer examination for all of their patients in age of 40 and above and just about 34% of dentists gained acceptable level of knowledge. Among senior dental students, the status of knowledge was better as about 58% of them gained the level of acceptance [P=0.01]. Although dentists were willing to follow the diagnostic protocol for oral cancer, they were mostly unsatisfied with the level of their knowledge. Therefore, this study highlights the need for educational planning and training activities in general dentists with regard to the risk factors and early detection of oral cancers
ABSTRACT
Jaw bone defects are the origin of many complications for patients, and completebone healing has a special importance. Histological examination can be regarded as the [gold standard]. However, noninvasive diagnosis techniques are needed for clinical application. The aim of this study was to compare digital and conventional radiography for detection of bone healing. In this study, premolar teeth of 4 dogs were extracted. 5.5mm bone defect was created in each quadrant of the jaw bone Three months after healing of the extraction sites. Digital and conventional radiography was performed at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after surgery. At every stage, bone specimens were removed and studied with histomorphometric procedures. At all stages, bone defect density was determined by conventional and digital radiography and compared with the percentage of bone formation determined by histomorphometry. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis variance test for repeated data and paired t-test using SPSS software. At all stages, the differences between both radiographic methods and histomorphometry were statistically significant. At days 15 and 60, a statistically significant difference was seen between digital and conventional radiography. The differences between digital and conventional radiography at days 30 and 45 were not statistically significant. Digital radiography showed changes more clearly in the early stages of bone formation [day 15] and at later stages [day 60]