Knowledge and Diagnostic Skill of General Dentist in Khorasan Razavi Province Common (Iran) toward Oral Diseases 2009-10

Proper and prompt diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases improves their prognosis level and therapy, but unfortunately these lesions are often misdiagnosed because of their clinical features resemblance. General dentists are important in early diagnosis and treatment of common oral diseases, therefore assessing their knowledge and practice is crucial. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and skill of general dentists toward common oral lesions in Khorasan Razavi Province. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 260 dentists using an illustrated questionnaire. Knowledge and diagnostic skill of oral diseases were assessed and the responses were analyzed by SPSS software. Of the 260 dentists surveyed, 257 responded. The mean knowledge score of the dentists working in the city of Mashhad and other cities was 3.03 and 2.94; and the average of diagnostic skill was 2.024 and 1.97, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding knowledge score but the difference was significant in diagnostic skill. General dentists working in the city of Mashhad had better results in diagnostic skill significantly. Considering the overall low diagnostic skill score, it is recommended to schedule more workshops toward common oral diseases for general dentists.