Oral cancer knowledge and awareness amongst undergraduate dental students of Lahore - Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and awareness of undergraduate dental students regarding risk factors and signs of oral cancer. A self reported questionnaire comprising of eight questions was given to seven hundred and sixty undergraduate dental students in four of the five dental institutes situated in Lahore, Pakistan during the academic year 2010. The results showed i gradient of responses to questions related to oral cancer awareness and knowledge amongst students of 1[st], 2[nd], 3[rd] and final year BDS. Better knowledge and awareness was found amongst 3rd year students as compared to final year students [p<0.05]. This may be due to the fact that oral pathology is taught in third year. The study highlights the need to improve the knowledge of undergraduate dental students regarding prevention and early detection of oral cancer