Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Kerman General Dentists in Relation to Oral and Dental Care of Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in 2016

Treatment of head and neck cancers is associated with serious complications in patients. Since oral cavity and teeth are affected during these treatments, dentists should be aware of the orodental complications of cancer therapy.
This cross-sectional study was performed on 120 general dentists in Kerman. Data were collected using a researcher- made questionnaire, containing demographic information and questions about knowledge and practice (15 and 10 questions respectively) on oral and dental care of cancer patients. Data were analyzed through SPSS18 and using t-test, ANOVA and linear regression.
In whole, 65% of the participants were male and more than half of them were graduated from Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The older dentists had lower levels of knowledge. Dentists with experience of dental treatment of cancer patients, had significantly higher scores of knowledge and practice (P=0.007). Those who worked only in the private offices had a higher practice score (P=0.036). The level of dentist’s knowledge and practice did not have a significant relation with their gender or the university that they graduated from.
General dentists in Kerman appeared to have a moderate level of knowledge and a moderate to low practice level regarding oral and dental care of cancer patients. It seems there is a need for including related educational courses in continuing education programs for dentists to improve the level of dental services given to cancer patients.