RESUMEN
Rural population in India consumes high amount of tobacco which causes oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), if left unnoticed and untreated finally results in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Hence, the awareness of such lesions/conditions is important. The objective of the study is to create awareness among rural people about potentially malignant disorders and also to teach them how to conduct self examination of oral cavity so as to decrease the incidence of OSCC. Methods-A personal interview was done to analyse the people‘s knowledge regarding OPMD andOSCC. People were screened for all variety of lesions in their oral cavity, ush scrap smear test was also done when required. On door teaching of screening of their oral lesion was done in 8 step mechanism. Flash card with useful information was distributed to oaden their vision on OPMD and OSCC. Results- 24.33 % of individual had potentially malignant disorders and 2.71 % of individuals haddysplastic changes. Among the people with lesion only 15 % were aware of the lesion present in their oral cavity. 100 % individuals with any kind of oral lesion consumed tobacco in different forms. Among the individuals who consumed tobacco 14.28 % of individuals tried ceasing the habit. 98.65% individuals were interested in generating knowledge about OSCC. 100 % individual wanted regular dental camp to be scheduled in their village. Conclusion- This study highlights a need for education concerning the risk factors for oral lesions,its clinical manifestations and the impact of adverse habits on health in long term. This was observed that inspite of constrained factors like limited manpower, regular screening will result in early detection of cases leading to a greater survival and less radical treatment.