Evaluation of Turkish dentists' knowledge about oral cancer and oral mucosal lesions.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Oral cancer, including malignancies of the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, cheek mucosa, gums, palate, and oropharynx, is life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for long-term survival. Dentists frequently encounter oral cancers due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experience of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 361 participants were included in the study, and survey questions were sent via email. The survey consisted of 16 questions measuring demographic data and knowledge about oral cancerous lesions. Participants were grouped based on their specialization and knowledge level, and differences in responses among groups were examined. RESULTS: Only 21.3% of the participants felt they had sufficient knowledge and experience about oral cancerous lesions. Overall, the correct answer rates indicated a moderate level of knowledge and experience. When grouped by specialization, oral surgeons had the highest accuracy in their responses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dentists are the professional group that most frequently encounters clinically oral cancerous lesions. Therefore, it is critically important for them to be knowledgeable and experienced to reduce morbidity and mortality through early diagnosis. This study evaluated the knowledge status of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancer and highlighted the need for improved education.

Is there a relationship between third-molar impaction types and the dimensional/angular measurement values of posterior mandible according to Pell & Gregory/Winter Classification?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ramus height, gonial angle and impaction classifications of mandibular third molars. METHODS: A total of 829 mandibular third molars in 601 patient's orthopantomography (OPG) and cephalometric radiography records were evaluated. Gonial angle was measured on cephaloametric radiography and ramus height was measured on OPG. Impacted third molars were classified according to Pell & Gregory Vertical/Winter classification on OPG. The relationship between the impaction classifications and ramus height/gonial angle was evaluated. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was found in Pell & Gregory Classification types in terms of ramus height/gonial angle (p < 0.001). Significant difference was found in terms of Gonial angle in Winter Classifications (p < 0.001). Ramus height was found to be lower than 3.8 cm in patients with an angle less than 123.8° (sensitivity 78%, specificity 84%). CONCLUSIONS: Correlation between ramus height/gonial angle and impaction classification types of mandibular third-molar teeth was detected.