| Abstract
Aim: This study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of dental
postgraduate students about risk factors, signs, and treatment plan of oral cancer in Tabriz dental
college. Method and material: A questionnaire comprised of 10 questions was designed to assess the
knowledge of 87 postgraduate students regarding their knowledge on oral examination, diagnosis, risk
factors and treatment of oral cancer. Result: 20 out of 87 post graduate students refused to participate
in the study. The response rate is 77%.The students had acceptable knowledge about risk factors, signs
and symptoms, most common oral sites and dental management of cancer patient, however their
practice about clinical provisional detection of cancerous lesions at primary stages is low (only 22.4%
were sure).
Conclusion: Theoretical knowledge of post graduate students regarding oral cancer examination is good,
however their knowledge about clinical diagnosis of early lesions is low and needed to be improved. It
seems necessary to conduct educational courses systematically which helps them to diagnose
precancerous lesions more confidently.
Keywords: oral cancer; Knowledge; early detection |