ABSTRACT
Statement of Problems: An oral biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis of oral lesions, and for planning the appropriate treatment. Any fault that happens in biopsy procedures may result in diagnostic errors by pathologists. Thus, inadequate awareness of dentists and patients about biopsy is a significant concern for both of them
Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the senior students of dentistry and dental medical doctors' knowledge about harvesting and handling of oral biopsies in Hamadan city. [2009-2010]
Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted by using a questionnaire. The data were collected and analyzed through SPSS, version 15. Independent t-test was employed to determine the differences between groups
Results: Of the total 152 collected questionnaires, 42 and 110 were completed by dental students and general dentists, respectively. Accurate responses by the students [72.48+/-10.76%] was significantly higher than those of the dentists [62.22+/-14.99 % ; p =0.00]. There were no significant differences in the correct responses given by female [75+/-10.11 %] and male [70.20+/-11.05 %] students and also between female [61.11+/-14.66 %] and male [62.67+/-15.19 %] dentists [p >0.05]. Among general dentists, the differences of accurate responses between those with professional experience <10 years [62.44+/-15.64 %] and those with the professional experience >10 years [61.82+/-13.91 %] were not significant; [p =0.83]
Conclusion: This study revealed that dental medical doctors' awareness regarding harvesting and handling of oral biopsies is lower than that of the students of dentistry. Moreover, gender and professional experience did not affect the level of knowledge. Consequently, there is a need for further training in this respect for dental medical doctors